Message from the Mayor

Posted: March 30, 2020

Dear Randolph Residents,

It’s the start of a new week in our world of social distancing. Our lives have been upended in many ways and nothing is the same as it was just a few short weeks ago. We stay in our homes unless we must venture out for “essential” travel, to go to work or get food, groceries or medical care. And when out, we must stay at least 6 feet away from others. It is certainly a challenging time for all of us as we deal with, and adapt, to these restrictions. The latest update is that this new normal will continue at least through April. Although it’s not easy, it’s something we all have to do if we want to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect ourselves and others from infection.

As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t something happening somewhere far away. It’s happening right here in NJ and right here in Randolph. We currently have 45 Randolph residents who have tested positive for the virus after experiencing symptoms. Five of them are hospitalized and hopefully are on the road to recovery. New York City, where many of us previously traveled to frequently, is now being described as the “epicenter” of the pandemic. On Saturday, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a travel advisory stating, “Due to extensive community transmission of COVID -19 in the area, CDC urges residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately.”

Many residents have reached out to me in the past few weeks with positive messages, suggestions, and offers to help. However, one concern that has been brought to my attention repeatedly is that some residents don’t seem to be taking the situation seriously enough. Last week I received several calls about groups gathered in the parks, even playing basketball. Unfortunately, the police have had to ask these groups to separate and the parks department removed the basketball rims to discourage further games. I know it’s tough, but please respect the directives we are being asked to follow in order to protect our community. Together, we can do it.

One way we can help our business community during this time is to support our local restaurants. The Randolph Economic Development Committee (EDC) has put together a guide to Randolph restaurants that are open for takeout or delivery. You can find the guide on the EDC Facebook page.

I also want to remind everyone that Morris County opened a drive-thru COVID-19 testing center at County College of Morris (CCM) today. The center is open to Morris County residents who have a prescription from their doctor for COVID-19 testing and have scheduled their appointment online. No one will be allowed to enter the testing area without an appointment, a prescription and identification. The testing center is located on the Center Grove Road side of the CCM campus, but cars must enter through the Dover Chester Road entrance. Therefore, if the line of cars gets long, it will wind through the campus, rather than onto local roads. You will notice orange cones, electronic signs and police activity in the area around CCM, but there should be minimal disruption to Randolph residents.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. I encourage everyone to remain as positive as possible and together we will get through this.

Mayor Christine Carey
March 30 2020