MAYOR CHARLIE CARLEY STATE OF THE TOWNSHIP:
I wanted to take a moment to update all the residents of the Township on the status of efforts to combat the virus in our community. Our work has been round the clock for the past month involving an all hands on deck approach. Our response has involved every department in the Township. Our local health department in coordination with the Middlesex County Health Department has been at the forefront of identifying people who have contracted the virus and conducting follow up. Our Office of Emergency Management has worked continuously with County and State officials to adapt to the changing emergencies and restrictions. Our Social Service Department and Senior Center have developed contingency plans to address the neediest members of our community. Our police department has modified manpower levels and added new technology to improve outreach capabilities. Our EMS services have risen to the occasion with increased coordination and improved response times. Our fire departments have adjusted their manpower to address our community’s needs. The entire municipal workforce has made adjustments to ensure safety while trying to maintain essential services. This is not battle that will end in the coming days, but I want everyone to rest assured your safety and welfare is my top priority.
I wanted to go over some numbers as of Sunday, March 29, 2020, for the COVID 19 emergency;
- 26 community members have tested positive
- 20 are recovering at home
- 22 community messages have been sent out on Nixle to advise residents
- 4,489 calls have been handled by the communication center since the first incident March 10th
I believe there is tremendous coordination and cooperation by all those responding to this emergency. I want to thank the vast majority of residents who are adhering to the Governor’s restrictions on social distancing and limiting travel. We have seen an 80% decrease in traffic crashes as a result of more people staying home. The next two weeks will be important to see how we can flatten the curve.
Here are some steps I have directed to help us get through these next few weeks;
- The Office of Emergency Management will issue briefings to the community on a daily basis via Nixle.
- Social Services will continue outreach efforts to get those in need of food assistance. You can contact food Jeanne Wert at (732) 329-4000 Ext. 7674 or email [email protected] to get help.
- The Office of Emergency Management in conjunction with the Senior Center will establish community follow up of the neediest members of our community.
- South Brunswick Public Works will implement an enhanced protection plan for our police vehicles, fire trucks, and municipal vehicles through new disinfectant procedures.
I believe there will be adjustments to our daily lives over the days to come and we will keep you informed. I also want to ask that you support our local restaurants who are open for take-out and delivery. These local establishments serve our community on a daily basis and if you are able to order from them it will help us all in the long run. A list of restaurants and food establishments can be found on the Township website at
https://www.southbrunswicknj.gov/.
I thank you for your help and patients in this difficult time, and remember we are all in this together.
