Statement on the Six Cases of COVID-19 in Lumberton
As of March 29, 2020, the Burlington County Health Department informed Lumberton Township officials that they have confirmed six positive cases of COVID-19 within Lumberton Township. The Burlington County Health Department has now changed the way they are reporting the County’s number of confirmed positives cases to the chart you can find in the above attachment.
Contact tracing to determine if these individuals might have traveled to any public place before being diagnosed or been in contact with individuals is still ongoing by Health Department officials. They have informed the Township that they are focusing on close contact, which is defined as closer than 6 feet for more than 10 minutes, household contacts and those that work in high risk settings such as healthcare workers and long-term care facilities. Lumberton Township will provide any such information to the public when it is made available to us by the Burlington County Health Department. Due to federal HIPPA laws and regulations, the names and addresses of these individuals will not be released to the public, however the County Emergency Communications Center has flagged this residence and if first responders are called to that location they will be warned to take further precautions, above the new guidelines they are operating under for this pandemic for normal calls for service.
Though contact tracing is being investigated, Lumberton Township Officials would like to remind our residents that the best way to fight this pandemic and flatten the curve is to, (1) frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and use of alcohol (60% or more) based sanitizing hand wash provides your best defense, (2) practicing “social distancing” by avoiding large gatherings and crowds, when in public keep 6 feet or more of separation from others and avoid handshakes, hugs and other close contact with individuals, (3) if you sneeze or cough, you should do so into your elbow and wash your hands immediately after. Lastly if you are sick or if you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, call your primary care provider (doctor) and he/she will give you advice if you develop a fever or other symptoms. But most importantly if you feel sick please stay home and isolate yourself from others in your household.
Residents are also reminded to heed Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 107, which orders all residents to “Stay at Home” until further notice. This order provides for certain exceptions, such as obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work only if you are essential personnel, or engaging in outdoor activities. Governor Murphy’s Executive Order further directs the closure of all non-essential retail businesses to the public, with the exceptions of:
• Grocery stores, farmer’s markets and farms that sell directly to customers, and other food stores, including retailers that offer a varied assortment of foods comparable to what exists at a grocery store;
• Pharmacies and medical marijuana dispensaries;
• Medical supply stores;
• Gas stations;
• Convenience stores;
• Ancillary stores within healthcare facilities;
• Hardware and home improvement stores;
• Banks and other financial institutions;
• Laundromats and dry-cleaning services;
• Stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years;
• Pet stores;
• Liquor stores;
• Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics; As of March 30, 2020 Online Sales and Remote Sales that can be completed by phone, text, or email can be conducted.
• Printing and office supply shops;
• Mail and delivery stores.
• Effective March 31, 2020 at 8am Federal Firearms Licensees are added to the list of essential retail businesses.
• As of March 30, 2020, individual appointments to view real estate with realtors by individuals or families shall be considered essential retail businesses.
Nothing in the Order shall limit 1) the provision of health care or medical services; 2) access to essential services for low-income residents, such as food banks; 3) the operations of the media; 4) law enforcement agencies, or 5) the operations of the federal government.
Additionally, the order mandates that all businesses or non-profits, wherever practicable, must accommodate their workforce for telework or work-from-home arrangements. To the extent a business or non-profit has employees that cannot perform their functions via telework or work-from-home arrangements, the business or non-profit should make best efforts to reduce staff on site to the minimal number necessary to ensure that essential operations can continue.
Lumberton Township residents can call 2-1-1 or 1-800-962-1253 with non-emergent questions. The call center is open 24/7 and has multi-language capabilities. You can also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text information and stay informed. To receive live text assistance, text your zip code to 898-211. Please note that the call center is not able to diagnose or give medical advice. Healthcare providers should be contacted if medical advice is needed. If you or someone you know has special needs requiring assistance in case of an emergency, please register today at www.registerready.nj.gov. If you are needing special assistance today, call 2-1-1 or log on to www.nj211.org.
