Full Notification

BRIEFING SUNDAY MARCH 15, 2020

The Ocean Township Office of Emergency Management continues to work with the Ocean Township Police Department, Waretown First Aid Squad, Waretown Fire Company and the Township of Ocean Committee along with officials from the county, state, health department and school district to address this ever changing situation.
 
As of the writing of this briefing we can report there are no known and/or confirmed cases of Coronavirus within the Township of Ocean.
 
We are taking all step to address the spread of the virus. The Township of Ocean has implemented numerous modified operational plans (police, fire and ems) which will provide responders with safety precautions. Rest assure that these procedures do not limit our response but simple modify procedures to keep officers and other first responders safe. Allowing us to keep those who help you safe will allow us to continue providing that service to other residents in their time of need. Things are changing on an hourly basis and we need to reinforce the importance of social distancing.
 
As time progresses, the Office of Emergency Management will provide you with regular briefings on what is taking place in the community. We will keep you updated on information on closings and postponements and the latest information concerning the virus from county and state offices as it applies to the Township of Ocean.
 
As of 5pm on Sunday (March 15^th, 2020) here is what is closed for the week ahead:
 
Ocean Township School District – Closed until further notice
Township of Ocean Offices – closed to public and vendors till March 29^th, 2020.

• Employees will still be working and all departments will be available to assist the residents by phone, fax, email, US Mail or the drop boxes that are in front of Town Hall and Construction and Zoning.
• A resident can set up an appointment to meet with the Department Head outside the office by contacting the department.  A meeting can be set up based on need and if it cannot be handled over the phone.
• Please visit www.twpoceannj.gov for full details.
• All township sponsored events for the next two weeks have been postponed at this time.
• The Township Committee is canceling all meetings involving Township Committee, Boards or Commissions through March 29^th, 2020. 

Ocean Township Municipal Court – Court sessions for March 17^th, 2020 (Both AM and PM have been canceled)
 
 
Coronavirus COVID-19 FACTS

• Can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness.
• Symptoms of the coronavirus appear within two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The best way to protect yourself and your family from this coronavirus and other diseases is to follow simple daily health precautions:
  
  7 Steps to Safety
  The best way to protect yourself and your family from this coronavirus and other diseases is to follow simple daily health precautions: 

1. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
3. Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
4. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
5. Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
6. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
7. Stay home when you are sick.The New Jersey Department of Health is providing information to residents and has set up a 24/7 public hotline with the New Jersey Coronavirus at 1-800-222-1222.
   
   Ways to Manage Fears & Anxieties
   Although Coronavirus is a health issue that is being taken very seriously, do not let your worry about this virus control your life. The State of New Jersey has set up a phone line to help people deal with the stress of the current situation. Residents can call 1-877-294-4357 to speak with someone.
   
   
   * Since the situation is evolving, it is important to stay up to date by following trusted sources of information such as:
    

• CDC – General Information on Coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
• CDC: Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
• NJ Department of Health, COVID-19: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml 
   
  Michal J. Rogalski
  Chief of Police – Ocean Township Police Department
  Ocean Township Office of Emergency Management