Full Notification

CONFIRMED CASES
As of today, there are 2,844 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey. These include one additional case in Westfield -- a 54 year-old male who is managing symptoms at home. This brings the official count from the Board of Health to 13 cases. For a more detailed breakdown of statewide numbers, visit the NJ Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard at nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_dashboard.shtml.

STATE UPDATES
▪️The State’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness has launched a page on their website with COVID-19 rumor control and disinformation updates, in an effort to help residents rely strictly on facts during this pandemic: njhomelandsecurity.gov/covid19.

▪️Today, Governor Murphy signed an Executive Order suspending all elective surgeries and invasive procedures for adults – both medical and dental – effective 5:00 PM on March 27, in an effort to strategically preserve supplies and equipment for emergency purposes. This applies to all operations that can be safely delayed, as determined by the patient’s doctor or dentist.

▪️The drive-through testing site PNC Bank Arts Center opened this morning at 8:00 AM and quickly hit capacity. It will reopen at 8:00 AM tomorrow, and every day, and will remain open until daily capacity is met. The public is reminded that only those showing signs of respiratory illness will be tested.

▪️As a reminder, the first COVID-19 mobile testing site in Union County opened today at Kean University for residents, first responders, and county workers who have been registered for an appointment by their doctor or healthcare provider to be tested.

LOCAL UPDATES
▪️Thanks to everyone who has asked about where to donate masks. Chief Battiloro has set up a collection bin inside the vestibule of the Police Department. I’d ask everyone to check their homes and garages for any unused N95 masks you may have on hand from a renovation project, or to reach out to auto body and paint shops for masks that can go to our first responders and the medical staff at Overlook. I’d also like to extend special thanks to resident Catherine Chen for her incredibly generous donation of 2,000 disposable surgical masks that we received today.

▪️Thank you to all of the businesses and residents who have generously donated food to our first responders who are working around the clock to protect the community. On a related note, we sent out a Nixle alert yesterday about the theft of a car from Wychview Drive (unlocked with keys inside), as well as vehicle burglaries on Canterbury Road, Carol Road, Sunset Avenue and Wychwood Road. Chief Battiloro reminds us that criminals don’t care about the ongoing pandemic, and we all must remain vigilant about securing our property. To receive ward-specific Nixle alerts about criminal activity, text your ward info to 888-777 (Ward 1: 07090WARD1; Ward 2: 07090WARD2; Ward 3: 07090WARD3; Ward 4: 07090WARD4).

▪️As a reminder, tomorrow night’s Town Council meeting will not be open to members of the public, in order to comply with guidelines issued by the State Department of Health. The meeting will be live streamed on the Town of Westfield’s Facebook page at 8:00PM, and replayed on our YouTube channel and TV 36. To provide for public input during the meeting, 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.

▪️In response to questions I’ve received about the Conservation Center’s hours of operation, the Center is closed -- as it always is during this time of year to prepare for what is usually a seasonal opening in early April. We have canceled hours of operation that were scheduled for this Saturday, March 28, and will make a determination about an opening date in the near future. Details and hours can always be found at westfieldnj.gov/conservation.

▪️Have you filled out your Census 2020 form? Check your mail and let’s get everyone counted to ensure we get our fair share of federal funds and appropriate representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. And, as a bonus...if we get to 33K residents (from our current 31.5), the Town is eligible for another liquor license! How’s that for incentive? For more information, visit my2020census.gov.

▪️The Virtual Rec Department has posted their schedule for the week, which includes crafts, zumba, storytime, and more. Be sure to follow them on Facebook (@WestfieldRecreation).

Thanks to everyone for the ongoing support. Stay well.
-- Mayor Shelley Brindle