Millburn Announces Farmers Market, Mentions Restaurants Reopening

MILLBURN, NJ — The town of Millburn, in its latest coronavirus updates, referred to health guidelines for eventually reopening restaurants, and also noted that the town's farmer's market will open June 2, with social distancing guidelines in place.

Nearby towns such as Summit and Westfield have already started their farmers markets, with special guidelines.

However, Millburn's mayor also recently cautioned non-essential businesses that they shouldn't reopen if they don't meet state guidelines.

The towns's most recent update on Friday evening noted that the Millburn Farmer’s Market will begin June 2 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the lot across from Fiamma-Liv Breads.

"It will be great to have a place for our community to go and purchase fresh and healthy produce," wrote Mayor Jackie Lieberberg. "Of course, safety will be our top priority and new social distancing and contactless protocols will be put in place."

While the details are not yet up on the website, other towns have asked people to order food ahead of time online, and keep their distance when arriving to pick up their orders.

On Monday morning, the town's Health Department sent out an email encouraging local restaurants to refer to the National Restaurant Association's guidelines when it's time to reopen. But a date for reopening was not specified.

"As New Jersey begins to lift COVID-19 restrictions, restaurants will be looking to reopen their establishments, and return to normal business operations," says the webpage. "The ‘COVID-19 Reopening Guidance’ document will guide food establishments so that proper measures are taken to keep their customers and staff safe."

Right now, restaurants may only be open for delivery or curbside pickup. (Here is a Patch business directory to which Millburn restaurants and other businesses can add their most up-to-date status. Approximately 30 businesses have added information so far.)

In her nightly update on May 6, Mayor Lieberberg cautioned, "A reminder to our business community. We understand that there are several businesses not listed as essential under Executive Order 107, are finding ways to operate. Please use caution and get guidance prior to operating your business in any fashion. All non-essential brick and mortar businesses are supposed to remain closed as per Executive Order 107."

The mayor also noted that for those who have trouble getting food, MEND has begun a “curbside kindness program” to gather non perishables for Essex County food pantries. Items can be dropped off at boxes in front of the Book House, Millburn Camera, and Paper Ribbon and Wrap. (For other ways to give and get help, see this story).

The township has already reopened its municipal tennis courts and golf course.

So far, according to the county of Essex, five Millburn residents have passed away due to coronavirus. On Friday, Lieberberg said there are currently 125 confirmed residents with COVID-19 in Millburn Township, including approximately 65 percent who have recovered.

On Sunday, Gov. Phil Murphy said that in New Jersey, the number of coronavirus cases has risen to 138,532, and 9,255 people have died.

Over the weekend, Murphy clamped down on in-public graduation ceremonies, saying they need to be held virtually. On Monday, he clarified and said that "wave parades" and other graduation and birthday celebrations are OK if they respect social distancing.

Last week, Murphy said New Jersey schools will be closed for the rest of the year. After discussing with the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association, the governor said that spring sports will not resume for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

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