Covid-19 Informational Page

Covid-19

Covid-19 (short for CoronaVirus Disease 2019) is an incredibly infectious strain of Coronavirus that can result in death due to respiratory failure. Generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. These droplets can also land on contact surfaces, such as hand rails, touch screens, cell phones, and clothing (both yours and others) So please, be respectful & don't make PHYSICAL CONTACT until CoronaVirus is over.

Why should I be worried about, how is it different from SARS and why should I be more than SARS or even the flu(H1N1)?

While COVID-19 and SARS share the family of coronavirus COVID-19 is much more contagious and has killed more people even though SARS is technically deadlier. SARS has obvious symptoms of infection which meant it was easier to detect earlier on even though it was more likely to kill you once you had it. COVID-19 has the unfortunate issue of infecting the host without showing any symptoms which makes it much easier for an infected person to pass it to others without even knowing they have it. Both have no vaccine and without a vaccine once you have it either your body recovers or you eventually die. Older people are more likely to suffer from weaker immune system and weaker lungs which is why it kills people over 60 at a higher rate, But younger people are still very much capable of dying due to COVID-19, especially if they are in "critical groups" (smokers, have hypertension, diabetes or some other lung related symptoms).

How can I protect myself from COVID-19?

As said previously, there is currently no vaccine to prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) so the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Clean your hands often! (see above photo)

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

REMEMBER, JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN’T GET SICK DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T MAKE OTHERS SICK.

Germs spread more easily from wet skin than from dry skin, so drying your hands completely is an important step. Paper towels or clean cloths are the most effective way to remove germs without spreading them to other surfaces. If using an air dryer, make sure that you rub your hands under the air stream as if you were lathering them up with soap and water. Repeat this step until hands are completely dry, may take 2 drying cycles. Be patient. (contrary to popular belief it is possible to dry your hands completely with air dryers and not needing to use your shirt/pants/etc, making washing your hands counter-intuitive).

For more information, visit the CDC website for more up to date and in depth information.

New Jersey Governor Expands Restrictions

New Jersey Governor announced new restrictions Saturday afternoon in order to address  COVID19. Effective on Saturday, March 21, 2020,  at 9:00 p.m., the new standards for businesses are as follows -


CLOSED 

• Gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, are cancelled unless explicitly authorized by Executive Order 107. CDC guidance defines a gathering to include conferences, large meetings, parties, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies.

• Non-essential retail businesses must close storefront and/or brick-and-mortar premises operations while Executive Order 107 is in effect. And all recreational and entertainment businesses must close to the public, including:

• Casinos;

• Racetracks;

• Gyms and fitness centers;

• Entertainment centers such as movie theaters, performing arts centers, concert venues, and nightclubs; Indoor portions of retail shopping malls; and Places of public amusement. Business may continue any on-line operations.

Personal-care businesses that by their very nature result in noncompliance with social distancing must be closed to the public and remain closed as long as this Order remains in effect. This includes:

• Barbershops;

• Hair salons;

• Spas;

• Nail and eyelash salons;

• Tattoo parlors;

• Massage parlors;

• Tanning salons;

• Public and private social clubs.

Bars and restaurants in New Jersey must be closed for on-premise service and may provide take-out and delivery service only. Drive-throughs, take-out, delivery offered by restaurants, and other delivery services can continue to operate.

ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES - OPEN
Certain essential businesses and facilities are considered exempt from these closures:

• Grocery stores

• Pharmacies

• Medical marijuana dispensaries;

• Medical supply stores;

• Gas stations;

• Convenience stores;

• Ancillary stores within healthcare facilities;

• Hardware and home improvement stores;

• Vehicle rental locations;

• Banks and other financial institutions with retail functions;

• Laundromats and dry-cleaning services;

• Stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years;

• Pet stores and veterinary service locations;

• Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics;

• Printing and office supply shops;

• Mail and delivery stores;

• Liquor stores.

All businesses or non-profits must accommodate their workforce for telework or work from home arrangements wherever practicable. To the extent they have employees who need to be on-site, they should operate with the minimal number of on-site employees as possible to ensure critical operations can continue. Examples of such employees include cashiers or store clerks, construction workers, utility workers, repair workers, warehouse workers, lab researchers, IT maintenance workers, janitorial and custodial staff, and certain administrative staff.
Manufacturing, industrial, logistics, ports, heavy construction, shipping, food production, food delivery, and other commercial operations may continue operating, but as explained above, they should limit staff on-site to the minimal number to ensure that essential operations can continue.

Medical facilities may continue to operate. Medical facilities include any facility where a sick or injured person is given care or treatment, such as: doctor’s offices, hospitals, dentist offices, long-term care facilities, and other medical offices.

Employees reporting to work are permitted to travel to and from their place of business.

Businesses are encouraged to give each employee a letter indicating that the employee works in an industry permitted to continue operations.

See Covid19.nj.gov for more details