COVID-19 Update - March 22, 2020

COVID-19 Update
March 22, 2020

Nutley Announces 4 Additional Known Cases of COVID-19

Additional Confirmed Cases
On Sunday, March 22nd, the Township of Nutley announced an additional 4 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nutley, for a total of 14 known cases. Statewide, there are 1,914 known cases and 20 deaths. In Essex County, there are 172 known cases and 5 deaths.

The known cases in Nutley include men and women between the ages of 20 and 80. Due to federal privacy regulations, the Township cannot share detailed information on cases and residents should not contact the Nutley Health Department to request patient details.

The Nutley Health Department is working diligently to track any interactions the individuals who tested positive have had with residents, and they will ensure that anyone at risk of exposure is provided with all of the information necessary, including being tested themselves if appropriate.

Governor Murphy Orders

Drive-Through Testing Facility
Essex County is expected to open drive-through testing facilities for this Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 that will be by appointment only. We will share additional details as it becomes available.

How to Get Updates
Residents who wish to receive regular coronavirus updates from the Township of Nutley can visit https://www.nutleynj.org/emergency-notifications to sign up for the Swift911 system.

In addition to receiving emergency alerts, visit www.covid19.nj.gov  to stay informed.

State of Emergency
The Township of Nutley Board of Commissioners and Office of Emergency Management has declared a State of Emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic. The action will provide the Township with the tools and resources needed to more effectively respond to the situation.

Township Government
Your Board of Commissioners continue to take actions that will allow us to continue to provide services while we follow best practices for keeping our employees and residents safe. Please be patient while we implement procedural changes. At this time, all municipal government will remain open, however no person other than an employee is allowed into any building unless absolutely necessary and an appointment is scheduled in advanced. We encourage residents to contact departments by phone or email.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Residents are urged to remain indoors and to practice social distancing (at least 6 feet) at all times when outdoors.

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.

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:

(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. 

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 Deparment of Revenue and Finance
All property revaluations have been postponed until further notice.

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. 

Parks and Recreation
All Parks and Recreation activities are cancelled through Friday, March 27, 2020. Basketball courts, tennis courts and playgrounds are now closed. Parks and ball fields will remain open for walking, exercising.

Nutley Public Schools
Students who typically receive free or reduced breakfast and or lunch at school will still be provided with food. Please check your email for specific times for food pick up by school. If your family does not receive free or reduced lunch, but your family needs additional food support, please call 973-667-1884, option #7. No one will be denied a meal. Nutley Public Schools are currently closed through Friday, March 27, 2020. For more information on Nutley Public Schools, for additional information you should visit: www.nutleyschools.org.

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. We ask that if you are under quarantine or symptomatic that you let the dispatcher know when you call 911.

Code Enforcement Department
Going forward, we will maximize the use of our online website, email and telephone service capability. Please use the contact information below to contact our Code Enforcement Department with all inquiries regarding construction or zoning matters. If we are unable to take your phone call, please leave a voice message and we will contact you promptly.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Telephone: 973-284-4957
Fax: 973-284-0071

Email:

David Berry, Construction & Zoning Official

dberry@nutleynj.org

Carl Thunell, Building Inspector

cthunell@nutleynj.org

Frank Gabriele, Building Inspector

fgabriele@nutleynj.org

Antonette DeBlasio, Technical Assistant

adeblasio@nutleynj.org

Bridget Reilley, Technical Assistant

bridgetreilley@nutleynj.org

Colleen Nielsen, Technical Assistant

cnielsen@nutleynj.org

Lucy Jacobs, Clerk

ljacobs@nutleynj.org

Please note the following:
We will not accept applications for permits or zoning approval at the counter in Town Hall. Only essential required permits will be processed at this time.

Permit applications can be filed by email, please be sure to include all necessary documents, such as sub-code forms, drawings, surveys, manufacturer’s specifications, and a copy of the contractor’s license. These documents can be found at nutleynj.org or requested via email.

Payments and permit applications, with the necessary supporting documents, can be mailed to 1 Kennedy Dr. Nutley, NJ 07110, ATTN: Code Enforcement Dept.  We hope to be able to accept credit card payments in the next few weeks.

Uniform construction code and Zoning inspections will only be scheduled, for essential activities, by contacting our office as noted above. The Construction Official will determine when an inspection is appropriate.

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.

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.

 

TOWNSHIP OF NUTLEY
1 Kennedy Drive - Nutley, New Jersey 07110 - (973) 284-4951
Website: www.nutleynj.org - Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutleynjgovernment

You are receiving this communication because you have signed up to receive notifications from the Township of Nutley, NJ. We kindly ask that you spread the word to your friends, neighbors and family in Nutley, regarding our system that allows for Emergency Notification and Public Notices to residents and the sending out of valuable community information, such as this e-mail.

More: COVID-19