Morris County Shuts Down Non-Essential Services

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - In response to the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, which requires a public health need for social distancing, including limiting public access to government buildings, the Morris County Board of Freeholders restricted non-essential operations of county government.

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This temporary policy addresses Non-Essential Services and Essential Services.

“We recognize the importance of continuing many of our county services, especially public safety and health services, and social services for our most vulnerable residents who are dependent on the support we provide," said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith. “But we must balance those needs with the current public health situation, especially when it comes to our employees and the potential spread of the virus."

Under the temporary policy, All Non-Essential County Government Services will temporarily cease operating at the close of business today, Tuesday.

• The Morris County Library and Heritage Commission ceased operations on Monday. The County Planning & Preservation Office, including Farmland Preservation, Flood Mitigation, Historic Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Trails Construction, Cultural Resources, and Long Range Planning will limit operations and be closed to the public.
• Most county government buildings are expected to remain at least partially open but with limited staff. All county government events have been cancelled and most meetings that must occur will be done vie remote platforms.
• Constitutional Offices and independent agencies will each determine their own policies. That includes the Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Corrections Facility, County Clerk, County Surrogate, Board of Elections, Tax Board, County Superintendent of Schools, and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service. Please visit their respective websites or call their offices for any changes in their normal policies.
• The Morris County Park Commission has cancelled all indoor and outdoor programs and has rescinded all park use permits through March 31. It also has closed the Mennen Sports Arena. Parks and trails remain open for passive recreation, and golf courses also remain open. Visit the Park Commission’s website for more specific information.
• The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority plans to continue recycling services for the 14 municipalities that employ its services. Please check the MUA website for any updates.
• All county government employees working within the Non-Essential Services categories will be compensated during this temporary period. The expectation is that these employees of Non-Essential Services will remain in their homes, helping to limit the spread of the virus, during this period.
• Where possible, employees providing Essential Services will be allowed to work remotely, work alternative work hours or in rotating shifts to allow for social distancing.

Here's what else you should know:

• Gov. Phil Murphy announced that he planned to shut down all schools on Wednesday, March 18. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
• Murphy also imposed new statewide restrictions on Monday, March 16, shutting restaurants, casinos, bars and gyms. Read more: NJ Coronavirus: Bars, Restaurants, Theaters To Shut
###liNJ Coronavirus Update: Gov. Murphy Considers Curfew, 31 New Cases

• State health officials said they believe the virus is "community-spread" in New Jersey. "Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us," Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• Schools and colleges across the state continued to cancel classes, move classes online and prepare for an outbreak that could get worse. Read more: Coronavirus NJ School Closures: Here's The Latest (UPDATE)
• Murphy has declared a state of emergency, which allows his administration to expand its powers to treat the illness. Read more: NJ Gov. Murphy Declares State Of Emergency Because Of Coronavirus
• The first person in New Jersey to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor
• The second person in New Jersey to die because of the illness was announced on Saturday, March 14. Read more: 2nd Death Due To Coronavirus In New Jersey
• State health officials have issued a long list of coronavirus outbreak guidelines for New Jersey schools and colleges now that the number of cases continues to climb in the United States and across the Garden State. Read more: NJ Issues New Coronavirus Guidelines For Schools, Colleges (UPDATE)
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission also extended expiration dates for driver licenses, registrations and inspection stickers. Read more: NJ Driver's License Changes Because Of Coronavirus Outbreak
• Murphy recommended on Thursday, March 12 that gatherings of 250 people or more should be canceled. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Should Cancel Large Gatherings Due To Coronavirus
• Hospitals also issued additional restrictions to visitors. Read more: New Hospital Restrictions In NJ Coronavirus Outbreak
• Compiled by Johns Hopkins University, this interactive map lets you track confirmed coronavirus cases in real time. Read more: Coronavirus Tracker: Latest Numbers In New Jersey
• Bayer has closed their Morristown and Whippany locations until further notice. Read more: Pharmaceutical Giant Closes NJ Offices Amidst Coronavirus Concern
• PSE&G is giving financially struggling customers a break in "the interest of protecting public health." Read more: PSEG Stops Gas, Electric Shut-Offs As NJ Copes With Coronavirus
• State Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced on Saturday, March 14 that municipal court sessions will be suspended for two weeks, beginning Monday, March 16, to mitigate public exposure to COVID-19 coronavirus.
• Teaneck's mayor urged his community to self-quarantine since cases in his town rose to 18. Read more: Teaneck Mayor Urges Town To Self-Quarantine From Coronavirus
• Ocean County health officials said a pregnant Toms River woman tested positive for the coronavirus. Read more: Pregnant Toms River Woman Is Positive For Coronavirus: County

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.
There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.
While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses.

This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Residents who have questions about the virus can contact the State of New Jersey's hotline at 1 (800) 222-1222. The hotline is home of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System, and is staffed 24 hours a day by state health workers.

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