Warren Declares State Of Emergency After Coronavirus Confirmed

WARREN, NJ — Warren Township has declared that a state of emergency for the township after a Warren Township School parent tested positive for the new coronavirus.

"It has been determined that certain measures must be taken in order help contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and to ensure that the proper authorities will be able to maintain law and order, and further, in order to protect the residents affected by the conditions," according to a resolution passed by Warren officials Monday.

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The state of emergency implemented several changes in the township including:

1. The Warren Town Hall will not be open to the public. The public will use online payment options if available, U.S. Mail or drop box service at Township Offices for taxes, licenses, permits and other local business.
2. The public is requested to use phone, and/or email to make routine inquires and/or report information to the Township. Alternative procedures may be authorized by the Township Administrator. As conditions permit, Township employees will staff respective offices but utilize methods to limit exposure.
3. The Police Department is limiting in-person contact to emergencies only. Citizens should contact the Police Department via telephone for non-emergency matters.
4. Parks, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, and other athletic facilities will be closed to any and all organizations and groups of a size greater than seven persons, including family members.
5. Restaurants and all other businesses are encouraged to establish policies that limit contact with and between the public to the greatest extent possible. Nothing in this Declaration is intended to limit hours of operation beyond the normal operating and closing hours. Businesses may extend hours, unless superseded by Order of the State.
6. Township sponsored recreation events are canceled through the end of April.
7. All residents are encouraged to work from home and avoid any social gatherings. All businesses should use good faith measures to enable work from home capabilities for their employees.
8. Residents are asked to cancel all in-person meetings and to use conference calling and other forms of electronic communications.
9. All residents are asked to practice "social distancing" of six feet from others, frequent hand washing, stay home when sick and other appropriate hygiene to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
10. Residents will be required to follow State-mandated orders, such as curfews and non- essential travel.

This Emergency Declaration will be in place until further notice the new coronavirus no longer threatens the public safety, health and welfare of such residents and businesses.

Warren Township Schools will remain closed through April 12 and are implementing distance learning instead as a result of the coronavirus. (See Related: Warren Schools To Close Through April 12, Start Alternate Plan)

As of Monday Gov. Phil Murphy announced there are 178 positive cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey. Of those five were in Somerset County.

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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