Message from the Mayor

Posted: October 12, 2020

Dear Randolph Residents,

I have been hearing from residents who are concerned about the recent increase in COVID-19 cases reported in Randolph. I share their concerns. Over the last week, more cases of COVID-19 were reported in Randolph than we have seen reported on a weekly basis since early May. Over the last five months, we have continued to report a small number of new cases each week, but since the start of October, the numbers are increasing. There doesn’t appear to be one clear reason for the increase in reported cases. There has been no “super spreader” event in Randolph. Many cases involve one family member getting infected and then infecting others in their household. Sometimes the source of the exposure can be identified, but other times no clear incident can be identified. As we know, individuals without symptoms can still be infected with the virus and spread it to others unknowingly.

The increase in COVID-19 infections is not unique to Randolph and, in fact, is being reported in many states throughout the country. In New Jersey, new COVID-19 cases have spiked to a 4-month high and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 infections are also on the rise. State officials warned last week that New Jersey is bracing for a potential second wave of the coronavirus that could escalate quickly if residents become complacent about prevention practices. We all remember the early months of the pandemic in New Jersey. In March and April, many Randolph residents were sick; many were hospitalized and some unfortunately passed away. Since then we have been doing a great job of following public health guidelines and keeping the rate of infection low. However, the pandemic is not over.

I join public health officials in asking residents to be cautious as the pandemic wears on. I urge everyone to continue social distancing, avoiding crowds, washing hands frequently, staying home if you don’t feel well, quarantining if you have been exposed to someone with the virus and wearing a face mask in public. I know that many people don’t like to wear face masks. However, public health experts have documented that masks can reduce the probability of transmitting the COVID-19 virus to others. When you wear a mask, you are being considerate and helping to protect your family, friends and neighbors. It seems like a worthwhile sacrifice. We all have an impact on each other.

It is particularly important that we all continue to follow the public health guidelines considering the following. With temperatures dropping, we are all likely to spend more time indoors where the virus can be more easily spread. In addition, many of us may have more people in our homes during the upcoming holidays, including returning college students and family visiting from out of town. It doesn’t mean that as we approach this typically festive season that we cannot enjoy the time with friends and family. We just need to be smart about how we manage this time together. We have all made so many sacrifices since the pandemic began and by adapting intelligently we have reduced the spread in our community. The coming months will be no different. It’s important that we continue these efforts and remain vigilant.

Please, let’s all do our part to keep the Randolph community safe.

Mayor Christine Carey
October 12, 2020