BELLEVILLE, NJ – March 17, 2020 – Township officials have declared a local state of emergency as they continue to take measures to keep residents safe and secure in the wake of coronavirus COVID-19.
As of 5 p.m., Emergency Management Coordinator Martin Lutz and Township Manager Anthony Iacono signed the order.
The declaration of emergency allows Township Officials broader power in the efforts to combat COVID-19.
The move comes as Clara Maass continues to treat four positive cases of COVID-19. Two of the cases are Belleville residents.
Two other people are under investigation for COVID-19.
Because of the state of emergency, daycare centers in Belleville will be closed starting Thursday.
Also, Belleville playgrounds and parks will be closed until further notice.
New Information
• Mayor Michael Melham has held discussions with local supermarkets to try to get special early hours for seniors.
• Regarding the Library Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, members of the public can participate by emailing their comments to Librarian@bellepl.org by 5pm on the night of meeting.
• The Council meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, March 24, will be streamed live on the Township’s Facebook page. The public can participate by emailing their comments to township clerk, KCavanagh@bellevillenj.org, by 5 p.m. the day of the meeting.
• Essex County is continuing the Meals on Wheels program to serve Belleville seniors.
• The school district is continuing to distribute meals to students.
• County officials are working to set up a drive-through testing center. It’s anticipated it will be up and running by early next week.
• Residents with coronavirus-related questions can email the township at coronavirus@bellevillenj.org.
Recaps
• As of Monday, March 16, public access to Town Hall has been prohibited, unless residents have prior business to complete, or have an appointment. We encourage all residents in need of municipal services to use our Municipal website to obtain email and phone numbers for all departments.
• The Belleville Public Library is closed until further notice.
Reminders
The best way to avoid getting sick is to:
• Wash hands often with soap and water. If available, use hand
• sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If sick, stay home and do not attend work or school.
As additional information becomes available, we will continue to update our website and post new information.
Important Phone Numbers
• Coronavirus Hotline: 1-800-222-1222
• Belleville Health Department: 973-450-3389
IMAGE CREDIT: NJ.COM