JACKSON – All Jackson Township municipal offices and buildings are closed to the public until April 1 as the coronavirus outbreak spreads across New Jersey.
Municipal offices will remain open internally to staff members who will be available by phone and email.
“It is our obligation to take the necessary steps to protect and ensure the safety of our residents and employees, as well as their families,” Township Council President Barry Calogero said.
All meetings scheduled for the municipal building will be canceled for the remainder of March, with the exception of a council meeting that will be held at 6 p.m. March 24.
Municipal officials said there are many services that can be completed online. Visit www.jacksontwpnj.net for more information. For items that cannot be handled online, there will be drop boxes at each building or department.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the state and federal governments, strongly recommend everyone practice social distancing, allowing a 6-foot buffer in all social settings. Current federal guidelines restrict all social gatherings to no more than 10 people,” Mayor Michael Reina said.
“If you do not have to be out, please stay home. Remember, less contact equals less exposure. These guidelines are to be taken seriously. We need to work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 in order to protect those most vulnerable,” Reina said.
“With the recent transition to Jackson Emergency Medical Services (EMS), we have been meeting and in regular contact with Chief Couceiro … to ensure things are running smoothly,” council Vice President Alex Sauickie said.
“In addition, council President Calogero recently appointed Councilman Marty Flemming to the Jackson EMS Board of Trustees. That is a new position that was created on the EMS board that will allow for improved interaction and communication between EMS and the governing body in the best interest of the residents, especially during these unprecedented times,” Sauickie said.
He added council members have been in regular contact with Jackson School District Superintendent of Schools Stephen Genco and the Board of Education to understand their evolving plans regarding remote learning.
“Council President Calogero is encouraging residents to ‘buy local.’ … Council members have reached out to various Jackson business owners, including the owners and managers of restaurants in town, who started planning as long as two weeks ago for pick-up and delivery services.
“In addition, under special permit, many restaurants are now able to offer specials on take-out for items like wine. We are encouraging residents to support these businesses and to take advantage of these unprecedented services during unprecedented times and enjoy meals at home with their family from restaurants from which they normally could not get take-out or delivery,” Sauickie said.
Individuals who need non-emergency police assistance may call 732-928-1111. To reach any of Jackson’s municipal offices, call 732-928-1200 and follow the prompts.