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Ocean Township Office of Emergency Management Briefing: Thursday March 19th, 2020 at 2:30pm 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. Based upon information obtained from the NJ COVID-19 dashboard and as of 3/19/2020 (1200 hours) NJ has 742 positive cases of Coronavirus and Ocean County has 33 positive test results. Link: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_dashboard.shtml State of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy ordered, effective 8pm tonight, the closure of all personal-care businesses and social clubs which cannot comply with social distancing guidelines, until further notice, including: Barber Shops Spas Hair Salons Spas Nail and eyelash salons Tattoo Parlors Fire and EMS: Ocean Township Office of Emergency Management teleconference with the township First Aid Squad, Quality Medical Services and Waretown Fire Company. Policies and procedures have been enacted by each respective agency to protect their workers and volunteers. WHAT IS CLOSED IN NEW JERSEY: In an effort to promote social distancing to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the State of NJ has closed the following: •K-12 public, private and parochial schools •Universities •Casinos •Nightclubs •Performing Arts Centers and other concert venues •Racetracks •Movie theaters •Gyms and fitness centers •Indoor malls •Indoor amusement centers and amusement parks •All non-essential retail, recreational and entertainment businesses after 8pm NOTE: Childcare centers are still open. The decision to close is up to the individual center. They may consult with the local health department about closing. Limit of gatherings of more than 50 people, even in homes Restaurants and bars are open but are limited to take-out and delivery. Delivery may occur during daytime and after 8pm. Supermarkets, pharmacies, medical supply stores, and gas stations are open. 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. 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: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched. 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