Essential Ice Cream Trucks And More Westfield Coronavirus Updates

WESTFIELD, NJ — In her most recent coronavirus update on Thursday night, Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle reported that Westfield had reported one additional case of a resident with coronavirus, following three days of zero new cases, "which is an encouraging trend," she said. "We now have 242 cases to date."

Brindle has not reported new fatalities in town since April 30. On that date, she said that two men, 90 and 94, "associated with long term care facilities" had passed away. A total of 33 Westfield residents have died from the virus.

Residents have become alarmed at the high number of residents who have passed away in nursing homes, rehabs, and similar facilities, and have charged that the facilities are undercounting the numbers when reporting to the state, and not adequately protecting residents. Thursday, following weeks of questions, the state began bringing the National Guard to supplement staff and make changes.

A state website reported this week that 13 people have passed away of coronavirus at a long-term care facility in Westfield.

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The state presented an updated list of nursing home cases and deaths on Wednesday. See the list by clicking here. You can report problems with such facilities here, or if you suspect coronavirus related misconduct, here.

Gov. Phil Murphy in his daily press conference on Thursday that the state's death toll from the virus had climbed to 8,801. A week ago Thursday, he had said 460 New Jerseyans had been lost to the virus in 24 hours, an all-time high rate, or one person every three minutes. By Tuesday afternoon, the governor said there had been 334 deaths since the previous day, bringing the total up to 8,244 people.

In her update on Thursday, Brindle also noted, "We have received some inquiries about ice cream trucks as the weather warms up. The state allows them to operate, but their employees should be wearing masks and gloves. I’d also encourage anyone making a purchase to please wear a mask as well, and avoid congregating within six feet of others who are also waiting to be served."

Other local and statewide updates:

SCHOOLS

• Early this week, Gov. Phil Murphy said New Jersey schools will be closed for the rest of the year. He said he was not sure yet about day camps and day cares.
• After discussing with the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association, the governor said that spring sports will not resume for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
• However, you can view a tribute to Westfield spring athletes here.

PARKS

• Parks and fields in Westfield were re-opened to the public "incrementally" starting this past Saturday, May 2. Fields 1 and 2 at Tamaques will remain fenced off due to seeding, aeration, and maintenance. In addition, Mindowaskin Park will remain closed until further notice due to current construction to restore the pathways.
• Parks are for passive recreational purposes only. Only individual activities are permitted, such as walking, jogging, and bicycling; for these activities, individuals may be accompanied by family members, caretakers, or other household members. Restrooms will be closed, as will all playgrounds, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts. Organized sports, fitness classes, or other gatherings are not permitted.
• Proper social distancing should be maintained in the parks and fields at all times.
• Face coverings are recommended as an additional precaution.

TESTING

• The Union County Covid-19 Drive Thru test center has new hours as of Monday. The center is available to Union County residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, as well as first responders and front-line health workers from anywhere in the state who are experiencing symptoms. Testing is free. To find out more about testing in Union County, click here.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

• The new executive director of the Downtown Westfield Corporation, Bob Zuckerman, took over March 30 and introduced himself in the new Westfield Today newsletter. He encouraged residents to shop local for Mother's Day. Reach him at b.zuckerman@westfieldtoday.com.
• Patch has started an ongoing directory of businesses that are open and closed. Check it out or add your business easily by clicking here.
• Here's what you need to know about applying for unemployment and other benefits during coronavirus. MORE.
• Read more about unemployment, small business, and other coronavirus regulations and benefits in New Jersey here.

Here are statewide coronavirus resources:

• NJ COVID-19 Information Hub: https://covid19.nj.gov/
• General COVID-19 questions: 2-1-1
• NJ COVID-19 hotline: (800) 222-1222

Got local news? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. To keep up with local breaking news when it happens, and get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts and daily newsletters.