Coronavirus Information Update
Posted: March 13, 2020
The following is the latest update from Randolph Township on the Coronavirus and actions relevant to the pandemic outbreak.
Out of the abundance of caution and to help curtail the possibility of community spread of the virus (COVID-19), the following actions have been taken.
Randolph School District Announces Two-Week Closure
The Randolph Township school district announced today (March 13, 2020) that beginning on March 16th, the Randolph Public Schools will be closing and remaining closed through Friday, March 27, 2020. The district will be following its remote instruction plan during the two week closure period. School administration will continue to monitor conditions in the community over the two week period, and will provide an update on or before Thursday, March 26th regarding the status of the situation. While schools are closed, all extracurricular, athletic, and community school events are cancelled. School facilities are also closed to all outside organizations during this time. View information on the district’s Health Preparedness Plan.
All Township Non-Essential Programs, Activities and Events Cancelled/Postponed for Two-Weeks
On the guidance of the township health department, all township non-essential programs, activities and events have been cancelled or postponed for the next two weeks. The situation will be reassessed at the end of this period and a decision will be made on or before Friday, March 27, 2020 as to whether this action will continue beyond the two week period. A listing of all programs, activities and events impacted by this decision will be posted shortly on the township website. Township meetings scheduled for this period are still on as scheduled, but residents should monitor the township website and other media for any changes that may be necessary to this plan.
Municipal Court
No municipal court sessions will be held starting immediately through April 1, 2020. As of now, the next tentative court date will be April 15, 2020. The office is open regular hours and residents are encouraged to utilize the phone or the NJMCdirect.com website for payments.
Township Municipal Offices, Facilities and Services
All township municipal offices and facilities continue to operate under normal business hours. However, it is strongly recommended during this health emergency that residents opt to conduct business via telephone or e-mail instead of face-to-face interaction. Residents are also urged to utilize the online registration and payment options for recreation program and activity sign-up, payment of court fines, and property tax and utility payments. Property tax and utility payments can also be made utilizing the drop off box located in the front of the municipal building. At this time, all other services are scheduled to continue without interruption. The township has established a plan for operational continuity to account for potential work force reduction due to the virus and ensure continuity of critical services. In order to maintain critical services, some changes to non-essential service may be necessary on a temporary basis. If such changes are warranted, notice to the public will be provided. Township emergency responders, inspection staff, and public works and water and sewer staff have modified response protocols for non-emergent matters (telephone screening for symptoms of COVID-19, additional discretion on entering dwellings and interacting with individuals, use of personal protective equipment). We ask residents to understand that such protocols are needed to protect both the public as well as the employees from unnecessary exposure to the virus.
All information provided above is subject to change as this pandemic evolves. Residents are advised to monitor the township website and social media for updates. While we realize that changing normal routines and the cancellation or change to regular services, programming, activities and events is disruptive, the actions taken are consistent with the guidance from the federal Center for Disease Control and we ask residents’ patience and understanding with the same.
The Randolph Township Department of Health continues to work closely with the NJ Department of Health and Center for Disease Control on monitoring and responding to the health emergency. As of the time of this release, there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the community. However, there are confirmed cases in numerous locations throughout the state and at least one confirmed case in Morris County. Residents who are experiencing symptoms of the virus (including fever, cough, shortness of breath, and/or other flu-like symptoms) are urged to call their medical care provider. The medical care provider will provide guidance on how to proceed. If residents are experiencing symptoms that warrant an emergency response they should call 9-1-1.
The health department reminds the public to practice proper hygiene:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and remember to throw the tissue into the trash.
- Avoid contact with any individual exhibiting signs of illness.
- Stay home if you are sick.
In addition, take every day precautions to keep space between yourself and others:
- When you go out in public, limit close contact with others, and wash hands often.
- Avoid crowds as much as possible.
- Avoid any non-essential travel.
We strongly urge all residents to take necessary precautions to prevent the community spread of COVID-19. We cannot overemphasize the importance of limiting social contact while the township and school district restrictions are in place. Taking the necessary precautions and remaining mindful of restricting person-to-person contact should be foremost during this health emergency.
Because the situation is changing rapidly, we encourage you to carefully monitor the CDC and NJ Department of Health websites. Please use the links below to access these sites for the most recent news and information. Residents can also call the Novel Coronavirus Public Call Center (NPIES) at 1-800-222-1222 for information.
CDC Travel Notices
NJ Department of Health
CDC Coronavirus Information
CDC “How to Protect Yourself from Respiratory Illness”
If you wish to speak to someone locally regarding this matter, please contact the Randolph Township Health Department by phone at 973.989.7050 or by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this e-mail address).