Mayor Gonnelli Message - 4-02-20

I hope you are all staying safely indoors, except for essential trips. I have been keeping in touch with residents mostly via phone and social media, and a very few in person while maintaining social distance, to make sure I do everything I can to address specific needs. I have also been in touch with health care providers, state, county and local officials, police, fire and emergency personnel, businesses and, of course, our Town Council and Town Hall staff. We are all here to help and make sure the next few weeks are spent effectively controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Our COVID-19 testing system is now in place and getting more efficient and available. As more people get tested, we will see an increase in confirmed cases. Our area hospitals may likely be filled with COVID-19 patients and we will need more medical space to treat other patients. The State is working with the Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA to open its first field hospital at the Meadowlands Convention Center. This is not for COVID-19 patients as was incorrectly reported earlier by some media outlets. We are told this facility may be operational the beginning of next week and that there should be little impact on businesses, buildings or streets in the area.

I know many residents are anxious as the stay-at-home protocol extends to a few more weeks. Unfortunately, we do not have direct control over the circumstances, so let’s try to be patient. Keep in touch with family and friends over the phone, video chats and online. A resident suggested we hang colorful hand-drawn, printed or painted posters of Easter eggs on our windows—what a great way to be creative and spread some cheer. No matter what you do—paint, write, crochet, cook, sew, decorate, sing, dance—continue to be creative and occupied. Spend time with family, and enjoy quality time, even though the circumstances are not ideal.

Let’s make the most of what we have and know that I miss seeing you all.

Stay vigilant and be safe.