Latest Coronavirus Updates From Morris Twp., Plains And Beyond

The new coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak in New Jersey and across the nation is having vast impacts in Morris Township, Morris Plains including the closure of schools and many businesses. Here is the latest of how it could impact you.

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The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures and closures continue to be announced. An Atlantic Health employees has expressed her concerns over working during the pandemic and a study says the peak of coronavirus infections may come sooner rather than later.

U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill has launched a bipartisan task force with members of the northeast states hit hardest by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Department of Health has also posted data and statistics including hospitalization age groups, county totals and illnesses by onset date. A drive-thru coronavirus testing center was opened at the County College of Morris. There is now also an accounting of coronavirus cases and deaths in Morris County nursing homes.

The Morris County Freeholders also made it a commit to begin aggressive contact tracing to help stem the virus spread. The Morris County Sheriff's Office was also thanked for their efforts by "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro.

Acting on an easement of restrictions by Governor Phil Murphy, there are some Morris County parks opening for limited use.

On April 13, four churches in Morristown answered the call to ring bells every day at 1 p.m. until the health emergency had ended.

The Morristown Medical Center has also been on the receiving end of dozens of donuts and more from a local Dunkin' Donuts franchisee. Throughout New Jersey, residents are being reminded not to recycle medical waste such as gloves and masks.

Also, Patch is asking Morris Township and Morris Plains residents to nominate a hero helping the community through the virus crisis.

SCHOOLS

• All schools in New Jersey will remain closed through at least May 18 in response to the new coronavirus outbreak, state officials said.

BUSINESSES

• Patch has also begun an initiative to allow local businesses to let their patrons know their availability and how they can support them.
• The Morristown community has responded to help floundering businesses. One group has created a page that encourages people to get takeout from local restaurants. There was also a drive to purchase gift cards to support local businesses.

HOSPITALS

• Many have leapt in to help provide personal protection equipment to local hospitals. This comes amidst reports there might not be enough beds available for patients.
• In Morristown, the rehab center on Mt. Kemble Avenue has been repurposed to treat coronavirus patients.

More:

Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a Friday press conference, said he'll soon be ready to announce a decision on reopening schools amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Murphy made the statement as he announced 2,651 new coronavirus cases, raising New Jersey's total to 121,190. He also announced 311 more deaths, raising that overall total to 7,538. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy said he'll make a decision on schools by Monday or Tuesday, even though he previously said he would make a decision by May 15.

"My hope is on Monday as to what we're going to do about schools," Murphy said. "We're on remote learning until at least May 15 and we said we would let folks know at the latest on May 15 what the balance of this school year looks like."
Murphy's decision could be influenced by New York's announcement on Friday that that state's schools will remain closed for rest of the 2019-20 academic year. Read more: New York Schools Closed For Rest Of Academic Year

Earlier in the week, Murphy told CNBC that there's "a chance" that schools could reopen by May 15, even though restrictions would certainly be in place.

Murphy made those remarks as he offered a broad reopening plan, providing a six-point outline to "restart New Jersey and put the state on the road to recovery." Read more: Gov. Murphy Issues 6-Point NJ Reopen Plan In Coronavirus Crisis

Murphy had previously identified three ways for the schools and economy to reopen:

• Social distancing everywhere, especially at schools: Murphy said New Jersey still needs to "break the back" of the upward curve, and he's pleased that the state is showing some signs that its new cases are "plateauing." But even if kids go back to school May 15, Murphy said during a Record question-and-answer session, classroom dynamics will have to be reconfigured — especially in the way children sit — and he "can't envision large congregations." And they'll likely have to wear masks, he said.
• Testing, testing, testing: Murphy says no reopening can happen without a "robust" testing program. The governor said New Jersey is fourth in the nation in testing, but he told PIX11 during an interview that "we're not nearly where we need to be, and it needs to be a rapid turnaround." He expressed hope that New Jersey can reach that point now that Rutgers University has new technology that can test as many as tens of thousands of saliva samples in one day for coronavirus. Read more: Rutgers Launches Fast-Results Saliva Testing For Coronavirus
• Contact tracing: If testing can be ramped up, Murphy told PIX11, New Jersey can work more quickly to identify "hot spots" and quarantine and treat people who test positive. He told the Record that New Jersey is interested in Massachusetts' contact tracing program, which is "low-tech" and basically involves "hiring 1,000 people at $20 an hour and they're going to work the phones."

Health officials also have said they may discuss the discrepancies in nursing home reported cases and deaths by Friday. Read more: Mystery Remains As NJ Nursing Home Coronavirus Deaths Keep Rising

Here's what else you should know:

• Murphy offered a broad reopening plan on Monday, April 27, providing a six-point outline to "restart New Jersey and put the state on the road to recovery." Read more: Gov. Murphy Issues 6-Point NJ Reopen Plan In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order on Saturday, March 21, closing all non-essential business. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• Murphy, speaking during a Thursday, April 16 press conference, said schools will remain closed through May 15. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Schools Shut Through May 15 In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy ordered stores across New Jersey on Wednesday, April 8 to require shoppers to wear face coverings or masks. Here's how you can get yours, and how the new rule will be enforced. Read more: NJ Shoppers Must Wear Masks: Where To Get Them, How It's Enforced
• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• Murphy said during a live press conference on Wednesday, March 25 that he's ordering many day care centers to shut amid the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: Gov. Murphy To Shut Many Day Care Centers Amid Coronavirus Crisis
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory for New Jersey. Read more: CDC Travel Advisory For NJ: No Coronavirus Travel Ban From Trump

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.
There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.
While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses. This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

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