NJ Coronavirus: Burlington County Sheriff Seeks Halt To Evictions

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Burlington County Sheriff Anthony Basantis is asking the court to put a halt on evicting residents from their homes in order to help stem the spread of new coronavirus.

The sheriff’s office filed the complaint in superior court, using Gov. Phil Murphy’s declaration of a State of Emergency for the public health crisis as support, according to the sheriff’s office.

“Displacing residents from households is inconsistent with the goals of containing the spread of COVID-19,” Basantis said. “Evictions will increase social contact, and disrupt self-isolation efforts by residents attempting to comply with the recommendations to minimize the spread of the virus.”

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The Sheriff’s duties include, but are not limited to, overseeing the service of writs of possession related to evictions and ejectments for properties within Burlington County.

Basantis said he will evaluate the need to reallocate resources of the Sheriff’s Office to assist in addressing the public health, welfare, and safety concerns of the community. He is a member of the Burlington County Coronavirus Task Force, which was formed this week to work with state and local agencies in addition to managing the county response to the virus, according to Burlington County Freeholder Director Felicia Hopson.

Assemblyman and Burlington County Health Officer Herb Conaway has been appointed to lead the task force, which is made up of several members of the Health Department, Public Safety and Office of Emergency Management. There will also be representatives from the Freeholder Office's and Virtua Health.

Earlier this week, the task force recommended canceling events due to coronavirus. There have been three positive cases of coronavirus identified in Burlington County, including a married couple that recently traveled to Italy and a 60-year-old Chesterfield man. All Burlington County public schools are closed until April 17.

On Saturday night, the second New Jersey death resulting from coronavirus was reported, in Monmouth 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.