COVID-19 Update
March 24, 2020
Nutley Coronavirus Updates
The Township of Nutley would like to update the community on several important matters.
Health Department Message
The annual Rabies Clinic scheduled for Monday, April 13 and Tuesday, April 14 is postponed until further notice.
Nutley Public Library
The Library is now closed until further notice as per Governor Murphy’s Order.
Drive-Through Testing Facility
Essex County will be opening up a COVID-19 testing site this Thursday, March 26th. This facility is going to be open to all of Essex County Residents. This facility will be by appointment only. Details on the location and how to sign up for an appointment will be sent out in an alert tomorrow.
Additional Confirmed Cases
On Tuesday, March 24th, the Township of Nutley announced an additional 5 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nutley, for a total of 22 known cases. Statewide, there are 3,675 known cases and 44 deaths. In Essex County, there are 342 known cases and 6 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
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.
Residents are asked to please remember that just because a COVID-19 positive person was observed out and about does not mean that the person had symptoms or that they were aware they were positive at the time they were out. If you were in close contact with a person who has tested positive, you will be notified by the Health Department. Close contact is described as “being with the person for at least 10 minutes at a distance of 6 ft or less.”
Close contacts are instructed to self-quarantine and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days since they had contact with that COVID-19 positive person. This is because the COVID-19 incubation period is believed to be 14 days. We thank you for your concern, but it is not necessary to contact the NHD about these observations.
The seriousness of COVID-19 has understandably caused concern among our community. Many calls have come into our Health Department from residents asking who has contracted the virus for fear that they may have been in contact with them. Bound by very restrictive patient protection laws (HIPPA), the identity of these patients cannot be shared with the public.
Please know that the most important part of this process is not identifying those affected, but keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe by following social distancing best practices. Please be respectful of people’s privacy and do not share news of someone you have heard may be affected if you do not know it to be true. This exacerbates fear and creates an uneasiness. These are uncharted waters for all of us and we need to stand beside each other and do everything we can to protect our families and friends.
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:
(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 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
Department of Revenue & 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.
Motor Vehicle Break-Ins
Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Chief Thomas Strumolo are advising residents that although most residents are doing whatever necessary to adhere to the State of Emergency, there still remain criminals eager to take advantage of a crisis situation.
In recent days, close to a dozen unsecured motor vehicles were illegally entered. Nutley Police responded to locations on Myrtle, Whitford, Enclosure, Park Dr. and Nutley Ave.
Detectives and Patrol Officers are investigating and urge citizens to notify the police if they see or hear anything suspicious.
The state of emergency orders no one out after 8:00pm that are not part of the essential list the governor posted.
Additionally, Chief Strumolo urges resident to be aware of potential scam artists that will use this pandemic as a way to defraud you. All previous warnings apply, do not send money, or trust that someone is taking a census from the CDC, or any other related agency.
Please make certain your vehicles are secured, and notify police immediately for suspicious activity.
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:
Please note: 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.
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