TOMS RIVER – In an effort to slow the progression of COVID-19, all municipal buildings in town will be closed to the public.
This began March 23, the first business day after Gov. Phil Murphy urged a shutdown of all non-essential businesses.
The offices will be open to employees only. Residents are urged to use email, phone, dropboxes outside Town Hall or any other method of doing business with the township, Mayor Maurice Hill said in a statement.
“We are in uncharted waters as we face an enemy we cannot see, coronavirus-19 (COVID-19),” Hill said. “We are all anxious for our health and safety and that of our families and friends. This concern is understandable and we cannot let it overwhelm us. The strength of this country has always been our innovation, research and development. We are fortunate to have access to the best healthcare in the world. Pharmaceutical scientists and medical personnel are working on medications, treatments and vaccines to control and hopefully eliminate this disease.
“We are all in this fight together. No one can predict how long it will take to “flatten the curve” reducing the number of new cases and therefore control and contain the disease. Until that happens we will need to adapt to the new normal. We all need to follow the CDC guidelines to protect not only ourselves but our families and all those we come in contact with,” he said. “As your mayor, I urge you to practice safe social distancing and avoid unnecessary exposure. Please limit your travels to only those essential needs such as grocery shopping and medical treatment, and other essential activities.”
The mayor also listed a number of resources to contact for more information:
- cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
- Ocean County Health Department hot line: 732-341-9700 ext. 7411.
- The New Jersey hot line is: 211.
