Hillsborough Township officials announced they are taking precautionary actions around the municipality in response to COVID-19.
Hillsborough Township Mayor Doug Tomson released a March 16 announcement to address the potential spread and risks of COVID-19 in order to minimize person-to-person contact.
“The municipal building will be closed to the public until further notice however many municipal services will be available online or via the telephone,” Tomson said in a statement. “Please refer to our township website ‘How Do I’ section for self-services functions like on-line payments, forms and contact phone numbers for departments.
“Until further notice we will not have extended hours in the building department,” Tomson said.
In addition to the closure of multiple facilities around the township, the mayor said the municipal court is planned to reschedule court sessions from March 16 to March 27 as part of the efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Officials said residents should contact the court at 908-369-3532 to determine a new court date, if applicable.
“For your safety and the safety of our staff, we ask that you refrain from coming into the violations bureau,” Tomson said. “The staff will be available to assist you during normal business via phone.”
Officials explained that closures and cancellations of meetings and programs are posted on the township website and can be accessed by clicking the scroll at the top of the site or by visiting this link.
Meanwhile, Tomson said all senior programs have been canceled until further notice.
“Senior busing will be available for doctor appointments,” the Hillsborough mayor said. “Seniors should contact our Social Services Department if they need assistance in obtaining items from the grocery store or prescriptions.”
Also beginning March 16 through March 29, the Library System will be closed to the public. Officials said the Library System will continue to evaluate and communicate future plans as information becomes available. For more information visit the SCLSNJ website.
“Until further notice, do not place books in the outside dropbox,” officials said. “Keep the loaned material(s) as it will be automatically renewed so you will not incur any fines.”
The first Hillsborough Township “Litter Awareness and Clean-up Day” scheduled for March 21 has been canceled as well, according to officials.
In the meantime, officials said the Hillsborough Health Department recommends residents to continue preventative measures, such as hand washing, covering coughs, stay home when you’re sick and further social distancing as explained by the CDC.
“Another recommendation for private sports programs: We advise you to cancel, just as the schools and the recreation department have done,” officials said. “The Hillsborough Health Department continues to monitor information about the coronavirus and will update the public as needed on the township website.”
The NJ Department of Health has provided this phone number for the general public with questions about this virus: 1-800-222-1222 (N.J. Poison Control number), and the following websites for up to date information regarding the virus: Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov.; NJ Department of Health: www.nj.gov/health.