County Government Announces More Closures and Recommendations

The Cape May County Freeholder Board had a Special Meeting on Sunday to discuss what to do within the County regarding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Some new changes include the Cape May County Park and Zoo and all the Cape May County Libraries Branches are closed to the public beginning on March 17. Also, Fare Free Transportation will only provide medical trips for dialysis, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and infusion therapy (life-saving treatments). They will also provide in-county shopping. The only out of county trips will be for Northfield Dialysis. All non-essential trips have been cancelled i.e. hair appointments, library, visitation, etc. This service reduction will go into effect Tuesday and remain until further notice. The Cape May County Freeholder Board also supports the decision by Gov. Phil Murphy to restrict bars and restaurants to take-out and delivery services only during daytime hours. The Board of Chosen Freeholders along with Cape May County Health Officer, Kevin Thomas, highly recommend that all businesses limit employee and public interaction by restricting the number of customers to no more than 10 at a time. Social distancing measures will help minimize the potential spread of the coronavirus in the community. Cape May County government business will also be doing its part to limit social interaction by continuing to restrict travel for county employees, limiting interaction with the public for employees, when it’s possible, by pushing for teleconferences or online communications. “All of the decisions made by the freeholder board are made with the ultimate safety of our residents at heart,” said Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson, liaison to Health and Human Services. “The county wants to take the lead role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and to protect those who are most vulnerable in our county.” The governor has recommended a curfew statewide from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. All county employees are considered essential personnel and should be allowed to travel during those times if it is for work purposes. The freeholder board also recommends Centers for Disease Control Guidelines for cleaning at businesses that remain open. It is recommended and requested that all businesses implement and strictly adhere to the CDC Guidelines for stringent workplace sanitizing and disinfecting, “social distancing” and, to every extent possible, limit public interactions within confined spaces. “Cape May County has a significant elderly population and those individuals are at high risk,” said Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton. “We have to do everything possible to limit the spread of the virus to ensure their safety. We are also taking these actions to protect our employees and the public through this event.” List of cancelations and interruption of government services:

• Crest Haven Nursing home has restricted all visitors from entering the facility.
• A travel ban for employees going outside of the county has been enacted, effective 3/10.
• All public events scheduled are suspended, effective March 16.
• County employees are restricted from attending meetings with the public.
• The Cape May County Parks & Zoo is closed until further notice.
• All Cape May County Senior Centers are closed until further notice, effective March 16.
• All Election Board Polling Classes have been canceled until further notice.
• Cape May County Heath Care Resource Day scheduled on April 4 has been canceled.
• The Cape May County Library branches are closed, and all events are canceled until further notice.
• Reporting requirements have been suspended for all participants in the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP) through March 31.
• All U.S. Coast Guard recruits confined to base and no graduation ceremony
• The Surrogate Office will be closed to the public. It will remain open and fully-staffed with completion of necessary services over the telephone, Internet, and regular mail.