Full Notification

Our township’s positive cases over the past week represented our 2^nd highest number of cases throughout the course of the pandemic. The high case numbers started in the first week of December and have continued into January.  The increased cases are an indication of increased spread, but also a result of additional testing. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, several of our new cases are connected to an outbreak at a long term care facility. That facility has recorded 35 cases. See the Department of Health link for more information https://www.state.nj.us/health/healthfacilities/documents/LTC_Facilities_Outbreaks_List.pdf

We are hopeful that the introduction of the vaccine to group 1A, and additional groups in the weeks to come, will have a definitive effect on the virus, bringing our numbers lower.

Regardless of the introduction of the vaccine over coming weeks and months, our residents are asked to be safe, wear their masks, and to continue to socially distance, avoiding situations which may cause the virus to spread. It will take some time to not only vaccinate a significant portion of the population, but also for the effects of the vaccine to become effective, and we all need to continue to do our part to control the spread. We urge any individuals showing any potential COVID-related symptoms to obtain a rapid test, so we can continue to battle the rise in cases.
 

STATISTICS:

This past week, we were notified of 107 new cases of residents testing positive. This number represents an 18% increase in new cases than were reported last week, and is our second largest number of new cases reported in a single week over the course of the pandemic. In addition, 32 cases were reported from previous weeks. South Brunswick currently has 1,559 cases of residents who have tested positive. We were also notified of seven additional COVID related deaths, marking this as South Brunswick Township’s week with the most recorded deaths over the course of the pandemic. Our total number of fatalities now stands at 45.

Statewide, 3,703 people are hospitalized due to COVID, a 2% increase in the number of hospitalizations over the previous week. Middlesex County saw its numbers increase to 50,516 total cases.
 

SCHOOLS:

South Brunswick Township public schools are currently in virtual learning mode, with no students or teachers in the buildings over the past week. The status of South Brunswick Schools remains fluid, with decisions made based on the best and most recent available data, guidance from government organizations, and a comprehensive review of school district capabilities.
 
TRAVEL ADVISORY LIST:

New Jersey strongly discourages all non-essential interstate travel at this time.
 
Travelers and residents returning from any U.S. state or territory beyond the immediate region (New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware) should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodging following recommendations from the CDC:
 
If travel is unavoidable, travelers should consider getting tested with a viral test (not an antibody test) 1-3 days before the trip and again 3-5 days after the trip.

If travelers test positive, they should self-isolate for at least 10 days and should postpone travel during that time.

If travelers test negative, they should quarantine for a full 7 days after travel.

If testing is not available (or if the results are delayed), travelers should quarantine for 10 days after travel.

The advisory is no longer specific to certain states. Because of the rising number of case counts across all states, there is an increased risk of spread of COVID-19 upon return from any travel.
 

Instructions:

Take Action as Appropriate