Full Notification

CONFIRMED CASES
As of today, there are 4,402 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey. These include three additional cases in Westfield -- two males (ages 55 and 27) and one female (age 50) -- all are managing symptoms at home. This brings the official count from the Board of Health to 19 cases. For a more detailed breakdown of statewide numbers, visit the NJ Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard at nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_dashboard.shtml.

FEDERAL AND STATE UPDATES
▪️As you likely know, today federal lawmakers struck an agreement for a $2 trillion stimulus package to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are awaiting more details to discern what this will mean for New Jersey residents and business owners, and will be aggregating that information as it becomes available.

▪️The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $1.9 million to help 24 health centers in New Jersey address screening and testing needs, acquire medical supplies, and boost telehealth capacity.

▪️Today, Governor Murphy signed an Executive Order requiring child care centers to close by April 1 unless they are solely serving children of essential workers.

▪️To be able to provide a larger amount of testing to Union County residents at the Kean University site, the following change has been made: If you have a valid prescription for COVID-19 testing, please email [email protected] with your name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth and a photo of your script, and then you may directly go to the County testing site (Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm). Please note that people with existing appointments will be seen first.

▪️Due to the ongoing coronavirus-related disruption to municipal and county operations, the dates for budget introduction and approval by both counties and municipalities are extended from March 29, 2020 to April 28, 2020 (or the next regularly scheduled governing body meeting after April 28). The deadline for county and municipal budget adoption is likewise extended from April 30, 2020 to May 30, 2020 (or the next regularly scheduled governing body meeting after May 30).

LOCAL UPDATES
▪️Today, the Westfield United Fund announced that they have established the online application for fund distribution to local businesses from the #WeLoveLocal donations, which total over $70,000 to date. Any independent business with a physical retail address in Westfield that has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 related restrictions can apply on the Westfield United Fund website. Applications will be reviewed by a committee chaired by the Westfield United Fund, and will be evaluated promptly so that relief funds can start flowing as quickly as possible. If you have not yet donated, it’s not too late to help our dedicated business community through this unprecedented time.

▪️Due to the need for ongoing communication related to COVID-19, we have had an influx of residents sign up for our email updates, which is a great way for us to continue to get timely information distributed. If you’re already registered to receive them, consider sharing the enrollment link with neighbors and friends so that we can reach as many folks as possible (westfieldnj.gov/townupdates). I’d also ask leaders of community organizations, schools, religious groups, and athletic leagues to share the link with your email lists to help spread the word. In times like these, ongoing communication is so vital, and I want to make sure everyone stays informed.

▪️In addition to masks, the WPD collection bin will also accept any personal protective equipment (PPE) for the medical community. Businesses like automotive suppliers, nail salons, dentists, physical therapy and fitness studios may find that they have additional PPE or even extra disinfectant wipes and gloves.

▪️Looking for another way to help our first responders? Perhaps consider donating a meal to those who are working tirelessly to protect our community. It’s easy -- just call the non-emergency line of the Police Department (908-789-4000) and let them know you’d like to have food or restaurant gift cards delivered, which will be distributed among the Westfield Police, Fire and Health Departments and the Rescue Squad. It’s also a great way to support our local restaurants. We will be sure to publicly acknowledge any and all contributions. Many thanks to all who have donated so far!

▪️Thank you to all who joined us at last night’s Town Council meeting via Facebook Live. Unfortunately we experienced some technical difficulties with the live feed but, as we’re doing on all fronts right now, we pressed ahead as best we could. The full replay is now available on the Town Facebook and YouTube pages, as well as on TV 36.

On a personal note, I want to thank the countless residents who have sent me texts, emails, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter messages offering service, support, and gratitude. While I would rather the circumstances be different, it’s an extreme privilege to witness the generosity and esprit de corps of this community in this time of crisis. It’s why I am confident that we will emerge from this stronger and more united than ever. Stay well everyone. 

-- Mayor Shelley Brindle