Coronavirus Information Update

Posted: April 8, 2020

We thank you for your continued commitment to staying home and social distancing in order to minimize the impact of COVID-19 to our community. Below is a summary of the most recent information and news.

CONFIRMED CASES
As of today, there are 47,437 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey, 2,468 of which are in Morris County. Twelve new cases in Randolph were confirmed, bringing the total to 129. Of the 129 cases, twenty-two households have more than one individual. Fifteen 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. Unfortunately, there have been 2 fatalities in our community from this terrible virus.

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

STATE & COUNTY UPDATE
One of the most critical needs for many families in our community is for food and basic household supplies. Interfaith Food Pantry located in Morris Plains is a local organization, fully staffed with volunteers, and able to deliver items to any resident in need. Residents needing food should contact them directly at 973.538.8049. 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.

Today Governor Murphy postponed the New Jersey Primary Election to July 7, 2020. The Vote by Mail System may be employed. Read Executive Order 120. Randolph residents may download an Application for Vote by Mail Ballot  or they may contact the township clerk’s office at 973.989.7041to request a form.

LOCAL INFORMATION
Randolph Township Food Pantry
The 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 non-perishables:

• 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

Please be sure that food items are not expired. The pantry can also always use paper towels, 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 to either be picked up from the community center or delivered by a volunteer.

Randolph Trail System
Due to Executive Order #118 from Governor Murphy, all state and county park facilities, including trails, are now closed to the public. These closures are reflected in this trail map  which indicates areas where township trails cross through James Andrew County Park. The other trails in Randolph are not impacted at this time and remain open for walking, running and biking. Residents are strongly urged to maintain social distancing while on the trails. The National Recreation and Park Association advises the following:

• Do not use trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
• Remember that there is no access to public restrooms or water fountains.
• Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting trails.
• Share the trail and warn other trail users of your presence so you may pass safely.
• Observe CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of 6 feet from other trail users at all times.
• Consult their local and state ordinances and guidelines for the most up-to-date information on trail use.