Are Playdates Safe, And Other Queries For Regional Health Officer

WESTFIELD, NJ — In order to address questions from the public regarding the spread of novel coronavirus, the town of Westfield, NJ, hosted a Facebook Live session on Friday with Regional Health Officer Megan Avallone — who handles eight towns in Union County, NJ, and is the president of the New Jersey Association of County and City Health Officials.

Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle ran the panel, which also included Town Administrator Jim Gildea and Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro.

Brindle acknowledged that officials were "navigating new waters" and did not have all the answers, but officials all stressed social distancing as a way to slow the spread of the virus, which has now killed more than 5,000 people worldwide. This will keep health systems from being overloaded.

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"While you may think that you are not considered vulnerable to this virus, each one of us has an obligation to protect those who are," she said.

Because many schools have closed for several weeks — Westfield schools announced Friday that they're closed from Monday "until further notice" — Avallone explained that the point is to keep students from spreading the virus in close quarters, not necessarily because there's a lot of illness right now in Union County.

"Having hundreds of children in a hallway, in a cafeteria, is not in line with the guidelines to practice social distancing," Avallone said.

She encouraged children not to congregate in places outside of school, even though some may be tempted to do their assigned virtual lesson plans in large groups of friends.

"It's really important that parents understand," she said, "kids congregating outside of school, at parties, in large play areas, that defeats the whole purpose. While schools are closed, try to have your children avoid contact with large gatherings as well."

Several readers asked if having a friend or neighbor over for a play date was fine.

"I think the concern may be, you have somebody in your household who's a senior, an adult who's compromised," she said. "You have to make the best [decision] for your family. The reality is, we don't have the data right now to have a one-size-fits-all answer."

After Mayor Brindle asked if outdoor playdates were better than indoor, Avallone said that as a general rule, that was true. "During flu season, outside activities are safer," Avallone said.

Gilda said the library will be open through Saturday (although it will not allow computer use), and will close starting Sunday. Updates about facilities will be available on the town website.

The officials addressed a "rumor" about the water supply. They said that after speaking with American Water, the disease will not affect the water or the water supply.

Police Chief Battiloro said that the police are available to help seniors or people with special needs who may have a request that's "somewhat out of the ordinary." Anyone who needs help should call a non-emergency line (908-789-4000 is the main number).

"We want to make sure no one is forgotten about during these tough times," Brattiloro said.

Brindle said that the town is trying to determine who might be alone, incapacitated, or otherwise in need, to start a meal train. The town will seek volunteers.

"It's incredibly inspiring that most of the questions that come in are, 'What can we do to help?' she said.

Avallone addressed the fact that officials have suggested people stock up on a two-weeks' supply of groceries. She said that the intent is to keep people out of stores.

"If you start to feel crummy and there's nothing to eat in your house, you're going to go to the store while you're feeling crummy to stock up," she said. "It's to be prepared, for social distancing, to keep people out of stores."

Besides Westfield, Avallone's department oversees Summit, Chatham Borough, Fanwood, Garwood, Mountainside, New Providence, and Roselle Park.

Battiloro answered a resident's question about curfews. He said that so far, they're not instituting a curfew, but children shouldn't be congregating downtown.

The officials stressed that residents don't have to hide inside 24/7.

"It's ok to go outside," Brindle said. "The goal is not to gather together with big groups of people. But going outside, getting exercise? That's not a bad thing. You don't have to be isolated."

Brindle said the town will hold other Facebook Live sessions. More information about the virus and town response will be posted on the town website and school website as it's announced.

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