Coronavirus Information Update

Posted: April 4, 2020

We appreciate your continued patience as we all try to navigate this health emergency. Below is a summary of the most recent information/actions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONFIRMED CASES
As of today, there are 34,124 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey, 1,618 of which are in Morris County. Fourteen new cases in Randolph were confirmed, bringing the total to 82. Of the 82 cases, fifteen households have more than one individual. Five individuals are currently hospitalized. All individuals considered to be close contacts of the confirmed cases are in the process of being reached and asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Our thoughts and prayers continue for the families of the two residents who died this week.

Four of the cases and one of the fatalities included in the above numbers are associated with long term care facilities. Two of the five individuals currently hospitalized are residents of these facilities.

STATE & COUNTY INFORMATION
The current health crisis is impacting our community in every imaginable way. Residents in need of assistance have a one-stop resource—NJ 2-1-1. NJ 2-1-1 is a statewide information and referral service for health and human service needs. With roughly 3,000 agencies in the organization’s resource database and over 10,000 programs and services listed, NJ 2-1-1 provides the public with front door access to nonprofit, government and faith-based services as well as disaster response information. For more information and/or to connect with NJ 2-1-1, visit https://www.nj211.org/.

One of the most critical needs for many families in our community is for food and basic household supplies. Fortunately, there are many options available for those with such needs both on a county and local level. One of the primary food banks in the area is the Interfaith Food Pantry located in Morris Plains. Any resident needing food should contact them directly at 973.538.8049. The pantry is fully staffed with volunteers and has the ability to deliver to any resident in need. For more information on the food pantry please visit their website. There are also many other food pantries and soup kitchens in the area as noted in this recent press release from Morris County.

LOCAL INFORMATION
Many may not be aware that the Randolph Township Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department operates a food pantry throughout the year for township families and individuals who are in need. Due to the impact of COVID-19, we are anticipating increased needs in the coming weeks and months. For those who are able to donate, some of the items frequently requested include, but are not limited to, the following (only non-perishables please & also be sure to check expiration dates):

• Any kind of cereal and breakfast items
• Canned fish and meats
• Canned peas, green beans, kidney and wax beans
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Boxed mashed potatoes and canned potatoes
• Canned fruit and apple sauce
• Powdered milk

The pantry can also always use paper towel, toilet paper, dish detergent, and bags to transport the deliverables to the families in need.

To meet the need created by the current crisis, the pantry is also accepting financial donations as well as store gift cards that will be used by township staff to purchase perishable items which would not normally be available in our pantry.

There is a donation bin in the foyer of the community center at 30 Calais Road. This bin is for food and grocery items, not financial contributions or gift cards. Donations should only be left during office hours, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Residents needing to drop off donations after office hours should call community services at 973.989.7084 to coordinate the drop off. Residents seeking to make financial contributions to the pantry should also call community services during office hours.

Residents requiring food assistance are encouraged to call 973.989.7084 during the hours listed above. A staff member will provide a checklist of available items from our pantry. Requested items will be bagged and available on a scheduled basis for those in need to either pick up from the community center or to have delivered by a volunteer.