Westfield Coronavirus Updates: Stats, Pool, Reopenings, More

WESTFIELD, NJ – As of Monday, a total of 12,176 New Jersey residents had died of coronavirus in just three months, during a time at which people were starting to self-isolate. More than 113,000 Americans have died of the virus in that same period. For contrast, the CDC estimates that 61,000 Americans died of the flu during the entire 2017-2018 flu season.

In Westfield on Tuesday, Mayor Shelley Brindle said that the town had gotten reports of one new case Tuesday and two on Monday, with none over the weekend. She said that in total, the town had only had five new confirmed cases in the past two weeks.

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The last report of a new fatality was Wednesday, June 3, when Brindle wrote in an update: "I am saddened to report the death of an 84-year-old female, associated with a long-term care facility, bringing our total number of fatalities to 42. I would like to remind the community that these deaths are not just numbers, and each of these residents has left behind grieving loved ones who were unable to hold proper funerals or memorials. Please know that we do intend to publicly honor all of the lives lost in Westfield to COVID-19 at the appropriate time."

On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy expanded his limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings, with social distancing and other regulations still in effect. See below for information on how this will affect Westfield graduations, businesses, and events.

Murphy said he will allow facilities and businesses to reopen in New Jersey in stages to monitor data and watch for a new spike in cases. At the peak of the virus' death rate on April 30, 460 New Jerseyans lost their lives to the virus in 24 hours, or one person every three minutes.

Here are other recent Westfield and statewide coronavirus updates:

RECREATION/POOL

• Murphy said pools can open this summer, at 50 percent capacity, and with other restrictions.
• Westfield Municipal Pool updates are on the town website: https://www.westfieldnj.gov/pool.

SCHOOLS

• Now that the governor is permitting large outdoor gatherings starting in July, the mayor and Westfield High School principal are discussing a graduation plan for July 7. READ MORE.
• Here are coronavirus updates from the Westfield School District.
• Day cares and camps can reopen, with restrictions, starting June. 15. READ MORE.
• Should special needs schools open back up? A local mom says yes. READ MORE.

TESTING

• The schedule for the Union County drive-through testing center has changed again. For more information, click here.

BUSINESS/JOBS

• The Downtown Westfield Corporation released its comprehensive reopening plan on Tuesday.
• The town will cordon off Quimby Street on weekends for outdoor dining, music, exercise, and more. READ MORE
• Patch has started an ongoing directory of businesses that are open and closed. Check it out or add your business easily by clicking here.
• If your restaurant will begin offering outdoor dining next week, email details to caren.lissner@patch.com to be included in a story.

• Gov. Murphy has said restaurants can provide outdoor dining service starting Monday, with restrictions. READ MORE.
• Murphy said businesses such as salons and gyms can reopen on June 22, with restrictions to be announced. READ MORE.
• Read more about unemployment, small business, and other coronavirus regulations and benefits in New Jersey here.
• Turtleback Zoo has job opportunities in guest relations, paddle boats, Treetop Adventure, parking and maintenance, must be 18 years of age. Please visit the link for a list of available jobs and how to apply: https://buff.ly/2QWodaV

LONG-TERM CARE/NURSING HOMES

• New Jersey 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 and not adequately protecting residents and staff. The state has faced questions for weeks from the press about how they will address the problems.
• There is now a state website with numbers for people at individual nursing homes.
• You can report immediate issues with long term care facilities here, or if you suspect coronavirus related misconduct that should be reported to the Attorney General, here.

GIVING AND GETTING HELP

• To find out about help for the needy and seniors, or get food or food bank information, contact your town via the town website.
• There's an urgent need to donate blood. To give blood on June 15, click here.
• To read about Feed the Front Lines, click here.

Here are additional 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

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