Monmouth County reports 156 positive cases of COVID-19 as of March 22

Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley have announced that as of March 22 there were 156 positive cases of COVID-19 in Monmouth County.

The breakdown by municipality is as follows: Aberdeen Township: 6; Allentown: 2; Asbury Park: 1; Atlantic Highlands: 1; Belmar: 1; Bradley Beach: 1; Brielle: 2; Colts Neck: 3; Eatontown: 4; Englishtown: 1; Fair Haven: 1; Farmingdale: 1; Freehold Borough: 1; Freehold Township: 28; Hazlet: 8; Holmdel: 2; Howell: 8; Keyport: 1; Little Silver: 3; Long Branch: 7 (1 Tinton Falls quarantined in Long Branch); Manalapan: 22; Manasquan: 3; Marlboro: 9; Matawan: 1; Middletown: 7; Millstone Township: 1; Monmouth Beach: 1; Neptune: 10; Neptune City: 1; Ocean: 4; Oceanport: 2; Red Bank: 2; Rumson: 1; Sea Girt: 1; Tinton Falls: 4; Wall Township: 4; and West Long Branch: 1.

The freeholders also announced that due to the governor’s executive order, all Monmouth County golf courses have been closed. Monmouth County open park spaces remain open, according to a press release.

As of March 21 there were 98 positive cases of COVID-19 in Monmouth County.

As of March 19, there were 32 positive cases of COVID-19 in Monmouth County.

News updates and information regarding county events and programs affected by the COVID-19 situation are posted at www.visitmonmouth.com, according to a press release.

“We are getting information out to you as quickly as possible while also keeping in constant communication with state, county, local and health officials,” Arnone said. “We are asking all residents to do their part to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

“Please remember the best defense against COVID-19 is to practice safe respiratory hygiene and take steps to prevent the spread of germs, including practicing social distancing, staying home when sick, washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes,” Arnone said.

As of March 14, all Monmouth County library branches and the Monmouth County Park System buildings closed to the public.

As of March 16, public access is restricted from all buildings with the exception of the Monmouth County Division of Social Services (MCDSS).

For MCDSS, protections have been put into place to ensure there is no physical contact between Monmouth County employees and the residents seeking services, according to the press release.

All Monmouth County employees are available to residents by phone and by email.

“I can’t emphasize enough that your mental health is just as important as your physical health,” Kiley said. “If you or someone you know is having difficulty dealing with this unprecedented situation, please call the crisis counselors available at the county’s health department hotline.”

Crisis counselors from the Monmouth County Division of Behavioral Health are available through phone banks to help residents who may be experiencing stress or anxiety due to the evolving situation. The counselors will provide county residents with guidance to help them through this challenging time, according to the press release.

The Monmouth County Health Department phone bank is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and may be reached at 732-845-2070.