Full Notification

Fellow Leonians:

There are several important COVID-19 updates I’d like to provide to you today, as well as to reinforce critical areas which have been communicated previously.
 
Current Status

• Current Cases: 
  • New Jersey (742): As of this afternoon, there are 742 presumptive positive or positive cases in New Jersey; this is an increase of 315 from yesterday.
  • Bergen County (194): Of the total cases shown above, 194 are reported to be in Bergen County.  This represents an increase of 80 cases from yesterday.  52 of Bergen County’s 70 municipalities are reporting at least one COVID-19 case in their community. The towns with the two largest number of cases are Teaneck (42) cases and Englewood (16).
  • Leonia (2):  Leonia now has two (2) positive cases, with the second one being identified overnight. The person who was most recently identified had been hospitalized due to an underlying condition, but is now home (like the first case).  Both are quarantined. 

There are a significant number of tests which have been administered by Bergen County’s hospitals, but for which results have not been received. Thus, we can expect to continue to see large increases in the number of cases, each day, for some period of time.
 
Updates/New Information

• Federal Response: This morning, I, along with 17 other Mayors, participated in a call with Congressman Pascrell, during which he provided us with updates regarding the federal bills which are being considered. During the Q&A period, all of us drove home to the Congressman the importance of ensuring that individuals and small businesses get the economic help they need, immediately, in order to ensure that the continued economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is, to the greatest extent possible, mitigated. We also reinforced the need for the Federal government to provide urgent supplies (like personal protective equipment and sanitizer) directly to our communities, for use by our first responders. The Congressman clearly heard our message, and will be working to ensure that economic programs and availability of necessary supplies are addressed as quickly as possible. 
• Urgent Items (WE NEED YOUR HELP):  In order to ensure that we have the equipment and supplies we need to ensure your health and safety, we are asking all Leonians who either have any of the items in the list below, or who might have access to these (through their professional affiliations), to let us know:
  • Hand sanitizer (minimum 60% alcohol concentration)
  • Hand sanitizer wipes (minimum 60% alcohol concentration), or bleach wipes
  • Surgical masks
  • NIOSH-approved particulate respirator (i.e. N-95 or higher respirator)
  • Disposable medical-grade examination gloves
  • Eye protection (goggles or disposable face shield fully covering the front and sides of the face)
  • Disposable isolation gowns or Tyvek full body coveralls

The Borough of Leonia will purchase these items if you know of vendors who have them available or, if you have extras that you are willing to donate, we would be happy to accept them. If you have any of these available, or know where we can procure them (meaning, you know that one or more of these items are in stock and available for immediate purchase), please email us at [email protected]. 

• Emergency Services Protocols: It is critically important that we ensure the continued health and safety of our first responders (police, volunteer fire, and emergency medical services personnel). Please remember the following important guidelines:
  • Please avoid rushing up to first responders when they arrive at your home; even in an emergency, you MUST follow proper social distancing protocols, and stay six feet away from each other.
  • When calling 911 and/or when first responders are arriving at your home, you should be prepared to answer questions about the health of the members of your household. This is permitted under the current State Health Emergency, and is being done to ensure that the first responders are wearing the proper personal protective equipment when responding.
  • Not everyone who responds to a call may necessarily enter your home or “actively” participate; please don’t get close to first responders who don’t seem to be immediately engaged in the emergency, as again, doing so puts both your health, and theirs, at risk.
• Drive-Up Testing Center:  The first drive-up testing center in New Jersey will begin operation on March 20, 2020. The center is operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”); details regarding testing requirements, etc. are as follows: 
  • Location:  Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ
  • Opening Time:  The center will open at 8:00 AM daily
  • Requirements:  In order to be tested, you must meet the following requirements:
    • New Jersey residents only (must have proof of residency with you)
    • Must have active symptoms (fever, runny nose and cough); those who are asymptomatic (i.e. the “worried well”) will be turned away
    • Testing priority will be given to health care workers and first responders
    • You do NOT need a prescription from your healthcare provider
  • Appointments:  No appointment is needed; however, you MUST meet the requirements described above, or you will be turned away.

If you are experiencing symptoms or are feeling unwell in any way, your first course of action should always be to call your healthcare provider. There is little doubt that there will be long lines and significant wait times at the testing center (especially during its early days of operation); exercise common sense when making the decision about whether or not to visit the drive-up testing center.

• School “Snow Day:” As you know, Leonia Public Schools are closed through April 10, 2020 (at the earliest), and distance learning is now taking place at all three schools, utilizing protocols communicated to all students directly by the school district. In order to allow teaching staff at all three buildings the ability to continue to refine their teaching and lesson plans, the district will have a “snow day” on Wednesday, March 25; there will be NO distance learning on this date.

NOTE: This does NOT mean that students should congregate with one another, either in private homes or in public areas. The need for social distancing continues to be of critical importance, becoming more so with each passing day. Those who are suggesting that social distancing is not necessary are, quite simply, wrong; every Leonian needs to do their part to stem the tide of COVID-19, and the best way to do this is to stay in your homes unless it is absolutely necessary for you to venture out.

• Business Closures:  As indicated in yesterday’s update, all nail and hair salons were directed to close as of midnight. Governor Murphy has directed the same for these businesses (as well as other “close contact” businesses, such as spas, massage parlors, and tattoo parlors), statewide, as of 8:00 PM today, March 19, 2020.
• Bergen County Executive Order 2020-1B: We received word today that the Executive Order issued by the Bergen County Executive, which was to have gone into effect as of 8:00 AM on Saturday, March 21, has been rescinded. As indicated above, this does not in any way mean that it is “business as usual;” while some businesses in Leonia (and other communities) remain open, you should visit these only if necessary (remaining at home at all other times). Most businesses that are open will also have reduced hours of operation; please contact the businesses directly to obtain the latest information. 

Important Information and Reminders
 
Following are important reminders and information:

• Quarantined:  All Anna C. Scott School students and Staff, as well as Leonia Middle School students who attend SACC at ACS, and SACC staff working at ACS, should be in a self-quarantine period, through March 27, 2020.
• Shelter in Place:  While not mandatory, it is HIGHLY recommended that all other Leonians shelter in place in your homes, limiting your time outside, and practicing proper social distancing and sanitary procedures.
• Social Distancing: When you are not in your home, you should remain at least six feet away from any non-family member not living with you.
  • If you want to go for a walk or run with your neighbor or friend, that’s fine; however, make sure that you remain six feet away from them at all times.
  • Playing catch, using neighbor’s play equipment, or using anyone else’s items for shared exercise should be avoided. For example, if you are standing six feet away from someone, but playing catch, you are sharing with each other whatever is on the ball that you are using (including, potentially, the COVID-19 virus), which completely negates the effectiveness of social distancing.
• School Updates: The Leonia Public Schools have been doing an excellent job keeping their school community updated; all updates regarding the Leonia Public Schools will continue to come through those channels.
• Foreign Travel:  If you have, within the last 14 days, returned from travel to South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy or Mainland China, and have not already been in contact with the Leonia Public Health Department, you are STRONGLY requested to immediately contact the Public Health Nurse at (201) 592-5780, x259.

With each passing day, as cabin fever sets in, we are all tempted to leave our homes to shop, interact with others, etc. I participate in multiple calls every day with State, County and local leaders, during which leaders from the healthcare community provide us with the latest updates on research and treatment for COVID-19. One core message remains very clear; the need for social distancing, including, for the time being, staying in your homes as much as possible, is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING we can do to help limit the spread of the virus, and avoid allowing our healthcare facilities to become overrun with cases, resulting in needless fatalities due to lack of equipment or healthcare staff.
 
The decisions we are making are not easy, and we know that they have a profound impact on both individuals as well as businesses in our community. We are guided by one overarching principle; doing what is best for the health and safety of everyone who lives and works in our community, county state and nation. Please know that I will, as always, provide you with the most accurate and timely information possible, and ask that all Leonians understand the need for what we are asking of you, and for your continued, sustained and complete cooperation with all requirements.
 
Finally, don’t forget your neighbors; while the Leonia CARES assistance program details are being finalized, call, email or text your neighbors (especially the elderly and those with disabilities), and ensure that they have enough food and medicine, and are not feeling in any way unwell. If this is the case, they should immediately contact their healthcare provider.
 
Thanks to all Leonians for what you are doing not just for yourselves, but for each other. The strength of this community continues to inspire me as well as all of the other members of our team who are working so hard on your behalf; please, keep it up, knowing that we WILL get through this together.
 
 
Judah Zeigler
Mayor
Borough of Leonia
[email protected]