Scotch Plains Closes Municipal Offices Due To Coronavirus Concern

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Scotch Plains is taking precautions including closing municipal offices to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

"In the interest of the public welfare and the welfare of township employees, the Municipal Building, DPW Office, Township Facilities, including the Scotch Hills Golf Course have been closed to the public until further notice," the township announced on Monday.

All municipal offices will be staffed and employees will be available to assist residents over the phone at 908-322-6700.

An email has also been set up for non-emergency questions and inquiries relating to COVID-19: covid-19@scotchplainsnj.com. Emails will be answered during regular township business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents will still be able to drop off documents or payments at municipal buildings in receptables provided.

Parks will remain open, however, the playground equipment, athletic fields and courts are closed for use by the public until further notice in an effort to curtail congregated play and to practice social distancing.

The Scotch Plains Public School Field and the Union Catholic are closed.

Scotch Plains Mayor Al Smith reminded residents to practice social distancing to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

"I'm going to ask the people of Scotch Plains to work together, let's make this our finest hour," Smith said during a coronavirus town hall on Monday.

As of Monday Gov. Phil Murphy announced there are 178 positive cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey. Of those eight were in Union County. None have been reported in Scotch Plains.

Non-essential businesses in New Jersey will shut down beginning on Monday at 8 p.m. because of the coronavirus outbreak, Murphy announced. New Jerseyans should not do "non-essential travel" – such as leaving your home – from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Murphy said. (See Related: NJ Coronavirus Curfew: Bars, Restaurants, Theaters To Shut)

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