Full Notification

CONFIRMED CASES
As of today, there are 1,914 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey. I am saddened to report that this includes a Westfield resident who passed away at Overlook Medical Center. The resident was a 91 year-old male with underlying cardiac and respiratory conditions who, to our knowledge at this time, was not connected to any other confirmed cases. His COVID-19 test results were received by the Health Department after his death, and their case investigation is now underway. Health Officer Megan Avallone will be available for questions during Tuesday’s Town Council meeting to provide any additional information we obtain about this case.

This fatality should serve as a sobering reminder about the impact of this pandemic and the importance of following all social distancing measures. Our prayers go out to this family, and to all those who have received a confirmed diagnosis. 

STATE UPDATES

• I joined a Mayor’s conference call with the Governor’s office today where more clarity was provided regarding the stay at home order that the Governor issued yesterday.  That order requires discontinuation of non-essential travel, with exceptions for obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, reporting to work, or engaging in individual outdoor activities. 

• On an earlier call with County officials, they confirmed that the  first COVID-19 mobile testing site in Union County will open tomorrow at Kean University for residents, first responders, and county workers. Please note that testing is by appointment only and you must be registered through your doctor or healthcare provider. Union County residents, Union County First Responders and essential personnel, who have been instructed by their doctor or healthcare provider to be tested for COVID-19, must be given a prescription and registered by their doctor or healthcare provider on a secure portal where they will receive an appointment for the drive-through. This is the only way to receive an appointment to be tested. 

LOCAL UPDATES

• As of this afternoon, the We Love Local fund has reached $57,000 in donations! Thank you to all who have made a contribution, and to the local community and various sports leagues that have spread the word through their email lists and social media channels. 

• To comply with guidelines issued by the State of New Jersey Department of Health and closing of Town Hall, the Town Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 8:00PM will not be open to members of the general public. The meeting will be live streamed on the Town of Westfield’s Facebook page and replayed on our YouTube channel and TV 36. The full agenda for the meeting is available on the Town website. To provide for public input, the Town Council will accept comments by email to [email protected]. Residents must include their name and address in the email and may comment on any matter over which the Council has jurisdiction. Only comments with a full name and address will be read publicly during the meeting. Facebook comments do not meet the statutory public comment requirement so therefore will not be considered.

• Did you chalk the walk this weekend with the Virtual Rec Department? Earlier today, we posted a collection of great photos from around town with chalk art and other displays of community spirit. We also had many neighborhoods participating in the #8PMthanks by cheering in their front yards for our medical professionals and first responders on the front lines of this crisis. Tag us (@TownofWestfield) in your photos and videos so we can continue to share them with the community.

• We have been lucky to have mostly good weather over this past week, and with that comes the ongoing use of our beautiful parks to get some fresh air and exercise. Unfortunately, I continue to receive numerous messages from residents about folks not practicing social distancing and ongoing group sports being played.

• As I mentioned yesterday, the Westfield Police Department had two ATVs patrolling all parks to disperse group gatherings, and these patrols will continue weather-permitting. An officer is also assigned to a post within Tamaques Park, manpower permitting. Unfortunately, the level of non-compliance is unsustainable, and our Police Department does not have the available resources to ensure full compliance. I will remind everyone that Governor Murphy’s Executive Order allows for municipalities to close their parks, which we may have to do if crowds continue to congregate. I hope that’s not the case. Everyone needs to do their part, and that includes personal trainers who should not be leading group classes in our parks, or elsewhere for that matter, in order to comply with the Governor’s directive. 

Thanks, as always, for your messages and willingness to help. I continue to be humbled by the strength of the Westfield community.