Full Notification

Fellow Leonians:

Some important updates today, as well as key reminders.  Don’t forget that all past daily messages are posted on the Borough’s website, with versions available in English, Korean and Spanish. You can find all of the information here: https://www.leonianj.gov/information-news/coronavirus-covid-19-information. 
 
I will be hosting another town-wide conference call on Sunday, April 5 at 7:30 PM. Preregistration is required; to register for the conference call, please visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7287349070091403788 Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and will receive a customized link which will allow us to recognize individual attendees, during the Q&A period.
 
Leonia Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Bertolini will join me on the call; we will provide updates regarding the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic, Leonia’s response, and school-related information. All Leonians are encouraged to join; in order to ensure that there is enough room for everyone, we request, if possible, one registration per household. You can join the discussion either via computer or phone, so multiple people in your home can participate via a single device.
 
Current Status

• Current Cases: New Jersey, and Bergen County in particular, continue to see significant surges in positive cases.
  • New Jersey (22,255): As of this afternoon, there are 22,255 presumptive positive or positive cases in New Jersey; this represents an increase of 3,559 from yesterday.
  • Bergen County (3,494): Bergen County continues to report significant daily increases (even allowing for the receipt of mass testing results). The new total represents an increase of 585 cases vs. yesterday.
  • Leonia (33):  Today, we were advised that we have seven additional Leonia residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. Thus far, one Leonian in total has succumbed to the disease, and we continue to keep them, and their family, in our thoughts and prayers, and ask that all Leonia residents do the same.

To reiterate, experts have not yet determined when we will reach the peak; it certainly appears that we are in the surge, there is no consensus on when the true peak will be reached. It is imperative that everyone follow the proper shelter in place, social distancing, and sanitary protocols, in order to slow the spread.
 
Updates/New Information

• State Income Tax Filing Deadline Extension: Governor Murphy announced today the deadline to file New Jersey state income taxes has been extended to July 15 (consistent with the Federal income tax extension). Of course, you can file at any time before that date.
• DPW Schedule – Thursday, April 2: As a reminder, we have moved to a temporary DPW schedule. On Thursday, April 2, there will be NO pickup of any kind. Residents MUST abide by all ordinances regarding when garbage and trash is placed outside of your homes for collection. Today, I saw several homes with large piles of trash on the curb outside of their homes, when the next pickup isn’t for ten days. Persistent non-compliance could lead to the issuance of summonses and fines.
• Census 2020 – t's easy to forget about the 2020 Census with everything that is going on w/COVID-19. The funding that is being provided from the federal government to combat COVID-19 as well as our schools, roads and hospitals is based on the 2010 census data. The more Leonians who respond to the 2020 Census could increase Leonia’s ability to receive additional public funding. Please complete your census questionnaire by mail or phone, or by logging on to www.2020census.gov. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Informational FAQs can be found at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11vjA4uj8jf-VW8w9qElAVJKRyc32e3yCnhq3RAL5eM4/edit?usp=sharing.

Important Information and Reminders
 
Following are important reminders and information:

• Shelter in Place:  Mandatory for ALL residents, regardless of age, except for certain essential or permitted activities. Violators are subject to summons and/or criminal charges. Additional details can be found here: https://www.leonianj.gov/Home/Components/News/News/109/179. 
• Exercise and Social Distancing: All Leonians are encouraged to get outside regularly, both for physical and mental well-being. If you choose to go for a walk or run with neighbors or friends, please remember all previously communicated social distancing protocols, and try to remain at least six feet away from non-household members at all times. Do NOT share sports equipment or toys with anyone outside of your household.
• Leonia Cares Assistance Program Rollout: The Leonia Cares rollout is continuing. If you’d like to volunteer to be a Block Captain or Runner, please complete the interest form here: https://forms.gle/ykQZMLpK4jfJKRmj7. If you have already completed the volunteer form, but need to sign the waiver, you’ll find it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1scsQp2QXdgaROiZ-XkoDoMsryE9wJiO3/view?usp=sharing.
• Group Gatherings: There are to be absolutely no multi-household group gatherings of any kind, either inside or outside. Violators are subject to significant fines and/or other penalties. Please help keep everyone safe, and don’t participate in ANY group activities!
• COVID-19 Information: As a reminder, all residents should only be getting information from reputable sources (which don’t include listservs, social media sites, emails from friends (unless you are friends with Dr. Fauci!), etc.). These are as follows:
  • Centers for Disease Control (CDC):  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
  • New Jersey State Department of Health: https://covid19.nj.gov/ 
  • New Jersey State Department of Health telephone hotline:  1-800-222-1222
  • Borough of Leonia website:  https://www.leonianj.gov/information-news/coronavirus-covid-19-information
  • Leonia Public School Daily Communication: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FeenigWR0H1y0eJVC9A6_6KrPSh0e-uXzNWrvIlnFlU
• Nixle Signup: Make sure that all Leonians are signed up to get the Nixle alert messages! To sign up, visit https://local.nixle.com/city/nj/leonia/, or text “07605” to 888777. 

Your municipal government is working around the clock to ensure that the health and safety of all Leonia residents is protected to the greatest extent possible. Thank you for doing all that you can to assist, and for ensuring that we continue to display the community strength that makes Leonia such a special place to live.
 
Judah Zeigler
Mayor
Borough of Leonia
[email protected]