COVID-19 Update
March 16, 2020
The Township of Nutley Board of Commissioners and Office of Emergency Management understands and shares our residents’ concerns regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are working diligently with local, state and federal health officials to proactively make necessary preparations and continuously provide you with the most current and accurate information.
Although there are currently no known COVID-19 cases in Nutley, we are preparing for the possibility that there may be in the future and are doing everything in our power to reduce and slow transmission.
At this time, all municipal government will remain open, however we will limit all unnecessary access to municipal buildings effective immediately through Friday, March 27, 2020. We encourage residents to contact departments by phone instead of in person. In addition, all major gatherings are cancelled until March 27, 2020.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Individuals can take the following steps to protect themselves:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home while you are sick and avoid contact with others.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
New Jersey Executive Order
Today Governor Murphy issued an Executive Order with aggressive social distancing measures to mitigate the further spread of COVID-19.
The Order closes all public and private preschool, elementary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education, as well as closes all casinos, racetracks, gyms, movie theaters, and performing arts centers. The order also mandates that all non-essential retail, recreational, and entertainment businesses must cease daily operations from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. All restaurant establishments, with or without a liquor license, are limited to offering only delivery and/or take out-services only, both during daytime hours and after 8 pm.
The Executive Order directs:
- All restaurant establishments, with or without a liquor or limited brewery license, are limited to offering delivery and/or take out-services only.
- All gatherings of persons in the State of New Jersey shall be limited to 50 persons or fewer, with limited exceptions;
- All public, private, and parochial preschool programs, and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools, will be closed beginning on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, and remain closed as long as the Order remains in effect;
- Institutions of higher education will cease all in-person instruction beginning on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, and shall cease such in-person instruction as long as the Order remains in effect;
- The Commissioner of Education shall continue working with each public, private, and parochial school to ensure students are able to continue their education through appropriate home instruction
- The Secretary of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Education shall take all necessary actions to ensure all students eligible for free or reduced meals will continue to receive the services necessary to meet nutritional needs during closures;
- All casinos, concert venues, nightclubs, racetracks, gyms, fitness centers and classes, movie theaters, and performing arts centers will be closed to the public beginning on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. and remain closed as long as this Order remains in effect;
- All other non-essential retail, recreational, and entertainment businesses must cease daily operations from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.;
Health Department
Commissioner Rogers and the Nutley Health Department urge residents with general questions about COVID-19 to visit www.nutleynj.org/health or call the Nutley Health Department at 973-284-4976.
The CDC has identified older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease as being at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. According to the CDC, early data suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness.
That’s why the CDC recommends that people at higher risk follow the measures cited below:
- Stay at home as much as possible
- Stock up on supplies, food and prescriptions.
- Take advantage of the delivery options in our community:
Shoprite from Home https://shop.shoprite.com/store/c088347
Fresh Direct https://www.freshdirect.com/help/delivery_info.jsp
(Consider contacting your local supermarkets and pharmacies to see if they have delivery options)
Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
- When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, and wash your hands often.
- Avoid crowds as much as possible.
- Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
We are committed to staying connected to our older residents during this health emergency and have taken the steps to make regular calls to our most vulnerable seniors at home. We will also stay in contact with regular updates via phone or email.
If you are interested in participating in the Operation Reassurance Program, a senior citizen call program, please contact Cheryl DiAntonio at 973-284-4936.
Parks and Recreation
All Parks and Recreation activities are cancelled through Friday, March 27,2020.
Nutley Public Library
The Library is now closed through Friday, March 27, 2020.
Nutley Department of Public Affairs
The Department of Public Affairs is operating. However, in the interest of public safety and health, access to our office is not available. If you need assistance call 862-333-8595 and a member of our staff will assist you.
Nutley Family Service Bureau
The postponement of the 2020 Scouting for Food Drive will have a significant effect on The Pantry at Nutley Family Service Bureau, which receives up to 90% of its annual shelf stock from this community effort. At this time, we are emphasizing the need for local support in order that NFSB can continue to serve our neighbors in need. Particularly needed are donations of: cereal, peanut butter, canned chicken and tuna, rice, pasta, sauce, soups and beans. Healthy snacks for children such as granola bars and raisins are also in demand.
Donations are gratefully accepted in the marked bins on the porch at the rear of the NFSB Annex at 169 Chestnut Street. Additionally, grocery gift cards for the purchase of staples are always welcome. For updates, please visit www.nutleyfamily.org
If you or your family find yourselves in need of emergency support (especially at-risk populations including vulnerable seniors and those with disabilities and underlying medical conditions) please contact the NFSB Main Office at: 973-667-1884
Nutley DPW
Parking meter enforcement will be suspended until March 30th. Please support our local businesses. Based upon most current information, there is the potential for the virus to be in feces and sewage, therefore effectively immediately, DPW will not be cleaning out residential sewer laterals.
Nutley Public Safety
Please be advised that the Department of Public Safety will be fully staffed and will continue to respond to all emergencies within the Township.
Nutley Tax & Water Department
During the next few weeks, we are asking all residents to use our on-line service capability from the convenience of your home. Visit our website www.nutleynj.org to:
If you prefer you can always mail payments to:
- 1 Kennedy Drive, Nutley, NJ 07110
- PTR (NJ State Senior Freeze program) forms will be completed and returned to you within 3 to 4 business days
If you have questions, please contact our office as follows:
** Please note when accessing your water and tax account on-line you will need the following:
Tax:
- Block
- Lot
- Qualifier (only if condo or apartment)
- PIN # (on tax bill) or e-mail tax collector
Water:
- Account number
- PIN # (on water bill) or e-mail water billing
Additional Information
The Township of Nutley will continue to provide updates as the situation warrants via the Township website: www.nutleynj.org.
For Nutley Public Schools, be advised that schools are now closed, for additional information you should visit: www.nutleyschools.org.
In addition, the Township reminds all parents and students to avoid congregating outside to avoid unnecessary social contact.
Other Resources
9-1-1 is for Emergency use ONLY!
Do not use 9-1-1 for complaints or questions.
Nutley Police Dept. direct line: (973) 284-4940.
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