West Orange Coronavirus Update: State Of Emergency Continues

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The township of West Orange remains in a “state of emergency” as the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 continues to spread throughout New Jersey, officials say.

Gov. Phil Murphy recently issued a "stay-at-home" order, saying that “it’s no time for business as usual.” As of Saturday afternoon, 1,327 people in the state have tested positive for COVID-19 and 16 have died from the illness.

• See related article: West Orange Resident Tests Positive For Coronavirus
• See related article: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi issued his own update on Saturday, echoing Murphy’s call for people to stay home and stay safe.

As mandated by Murphy’s order, West Orange officials are directing all residents to stay at home until further notice. The order provides for certain exceptions, such as obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work, or engaging in outdoor activities. Residents should only leave home to get critical needs such as medical/healthcare, food, pharmacy or gas. All “non-essential” businesses must close, as per the curfew.

“With this new order, the township is closing Town Hall and many employees will begin working remotely,” Parisi wrote. “All residents requiring services provided by town employees, and specifically from Town Hall, should call ahead as all phone calls will be forwarded to appropriate personnel.”

The changes will not impact services to the town’s senior citizen community, Parisi said. The township will continue to:

• Assist the senior community with resources
• Provide access to emergency food supply
• Support those with limited ability to secure needed groceries or other supplies by connecting them with volunteers

All residents counting on these services should call 973-325-4105. This number will be monitored 7 days a week, the mayor stated.

The Commuter Jitney will remain open at this time to accommodate those residents that may work in areas considered essential services and the town will continue to operate this service, but riders should monitor for additional updates, Parisi stated.

Garbage and recycling services will remain unchanged, Parisi said.

“The township will continue to do all we can, under these difficult circumstances, to keep all residents informed and safe,” the mayor said. “And the township thanks health care workers, grocers and food delivery services, pharmacists, police officers, firefighters, public transit workers, childcare workers and all those working under these unique and stressful conditions. And we thank all residents for your patience and cooperation. This is another extraordinary step in the process of addressing these concerns. We recognize the inconvenience… but remind you to stay home.”

• Read the township’s “coronavirus FAQs” here
• Make a donation to Mayor Parisi’s “sunshine fund” to benefit COVID-19 relief

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