Teaneck Issues Coronavirus Update

Press release from the Township of Teaneck:

March 22, 2020

Governor Murphy announces statewide stay at home order, closure of all non-essential retail businesses. The order also prohibits social gatherings, mandates work from home arrangements for employees when possible, and invalidates conflicting local and county regulations.

WHAT IS CLOSED IN NEW JERSEY? (As of 3/21/20)

In an effort to promote social distancing to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the following are closed:

-K-12 public, private and parochial schools

-Universities

-Casinos

-Nightclubs

-Performing Arts Centers and other concert venues

-Racetracks

-Movie theaters

-Gyms and fitness centers

-Indoor malls

-Indoor amusement centers and amusement parks

-All personal-care businesses which cannot comply with social distancing guidelines, including barber shops and hair salons, spas, nail and eyelash salons, tattoo parlors, and social clubs

-All non-essential retail businesses

Governor Murphy’s Executive Order further directs the closure of all non-essential retail businesses to the public, with the exceptions of:

-Grocery stores, farmer's markets and farms that sell directly to customers, and other food stores, including retailers that offer a varied assortment of foods comparable to what exists at a grocery store;

-Pharmacies and medical marijuana dispensaries;

-Medical supply stores;

-Gas stations;

-Convenience stores;

-Ancillary stores within healthcare facilities;

-Hardware and home improvement stores;

-Banks and other financial institutions;

-Laundromats and dry-cleaning services;

-Stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years;

-Pet stores;

-Liquor stores;

-Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics;

-Printing and office supply shops;

-Mail and delivery stores

Governor Murphy’s March 21, 2020 press release about statewide stay at home order and closure of all non-essential retail businesses may be accessed here: https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/approved/20200320j.shtml or PSA_Executive_Orders_107_108.pdf

UPDATE (3/25/20) - The following businesses are added to the list of essential retail businesses in accordance with paragraph 6 and 7 of Executive Order 107:

-mobile phone retail and repair shops

-bicycle shops, but only to provide service and repair

-livestock feed stores

-nurseries and garden centers

-farming equipment stores

Teaneck residents (as well as all New Jerseyans) are encouraged to practice social distancing and avoid large crowds/large gatherings, practice good hand hygiene, and stay home if you are sick. Here are the public health recommendations for public/impact group:

-Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (especially after coughing or sneezing

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

-Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, and not into the hands or into the air (also cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues and dispose of them properly)

-Avoid contact with ill people and if you are ill, stay home from work or school; limit contact with others to keep from infecting them

-Clean surfaces that are frequently touched (such as toys, doorknobs, tables, counters, etc.) regularly with a disinfectant solution

-Review and follow CDC travel advisories when planning travel. If you become ill after returning home to the United States, call your healthcare provider before going to a doctor’s office/emergency room. Medical staff may want to place a mask on you before you enter the building to protect other people.

The State of NJ has launched a new COVID-19 website: www.covid19.nj.gov where such website, has information that residents, healthcare providers, businesses and organizations, schools, and others will find helpful. The website also has LIVE updates and announcements, as well as counts by county by going to the following website: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_dashboard.shtml

If the public has questions, call 1-800-962-1253 or 2-1-1. Call centers are open 24/7. Please keep in mind that the call center is not able to diagnose individuals, provide testing appointments/results, or give specific medical recommendations. Callers who need medical advice should contact their healthcare provider.

Residents can also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text information to stay informed.

The “warm line” is a resource for people seeking mental health services 24/7. The warm line is activated during events that impact the mental health of NJ residents: 877-294-HELP (4357). NOTE: the “warm line” does not replace 911 and is not used to report emergencies.

For more information:

CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html

NJDOH - https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml

Daily Presumptive Positives in Teaneck (note: data may be updated on a periodic basis) - https://www.teanecknj.gov/health-department

This press release was produced by the Township of Teaneck. The views expressed here are the author’s own.