Coronavirus Information Update

Posted: April 6, 2020

Over the last several days we have received kind words from residents about our daily updates, and we appreciate each one. Residents have also responded very positively to the announcement in Saturday’s update about the township food pantry and we thank everyone for supporting it with donations and with offers to volunteer! For more information on the township’s food pantry, please call 973.989.7084. This is an unusual time for all of us, and we appreciate your continued patience and support. Below is a summary of the most recent information/actions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONFIRMED CASES
As of today, there are 41,090 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey, 1,956 of which are in Morris County. Eleven new cases in Randolph were confirmed, bringing the total to 107. Of the 107 cases, twenty households have more than one individual. Ten 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 last week.

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

FEDERAL UPDATE
Summary of federal government information and actions regarding the COVID-19 virus

STATE UPDATE
Mom2Mom is a statewide program funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and directed by Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC). Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation. The Mom2Mom hotline through Rutgers UBHC connects moms of children with special needs to peer counselors—other moms who understand, will listen, and can help. Call 1-877-914-MOM2.

COUNTY UPDATE
Morris County residents are now urged by the CDC to wear face masks when going outside, particularly in areas where it may be a bit difficult to practice full social distancing, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, mass transit, walking trails, and other settings. Complete press release

Morris County Chamber of Commerce continues its free virtual business lectures this week.

Morris County reported that applications are now being taken for the Paycheck Protection Program which provides cash flow assistance to companies to meet costs such as payroll, benefits, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities. Complete information

LOCAL UPDATE
As a reminder, Randolph Township buildings have been closed to the public since Thursday, March 19. Township facilities continue to be staffed, however, access to the facilities is very minimal and available only by appointment. Residents are encouraged to utilize online service options wherever possible and to call or e-mail the relevant department regarding any other matters of business. View list of services and contact information 

The township trails remain open, however, park facilities (athletic and turf fields; basketball, tennis and sand volleyball courts; restrooms; playgrounds; pavilions; skate park; lacrosse rink; and gazebo) at Brundage Park/Preserve, Freedom Park, Heistein Park, Kiwanis Park, Brundage Sussex, Randolph Park, and Tamarack are closed. Residents with questions regarding these parks and recreation restrictions may call the township recreation department at 973.989.7081.

In addition, the following activities have been postponed or cancelled:

• The spring bulk trash collection has been postponed until the week of June 1.
• The spring branch collection WILL take place the week of April 20.
• The spring Clean Communities Day and paper shredding has been cancelled.
• The following recreation events and classes have been cancelled: Little League Opening Day (April 18), Gordon Raupp/Kiwanis Fishing Derby (May 9), Arts in the Park (May 30), spring Artworks classes and spring tennis lessons.