MONROE – Seventeen new COVID-19 cases were reported in Monroe on March 28, bringing the township’s total up to 58.
The latest statistics related to coronavirus from Governor Phil Murphy’s office includes 2,289 new positive test results in New Jersey on March 28 for a statewide total of 11,124. There is a total of 140 deaths reported, according to information provided by the Monroe Township Office of Emergency Management. Middlesex County reported 126 new cases on March 28 for a total of 808 positive cases, according to the statement.
In Monroe, the new cases are females ages 25, 37, 40, 59, 60, 67 and 72; and males ages 43, 50, 52, 59, 65, 75, 77, 84, 89 and 94, according to the statement.
“With the stark reality of today’s new cases and the fact that testing results can lag up to a week, this is a matter of life and death in our community. We have to stay home and social distance to give our hospitals and the state/federal government the time they need to increase hospital capacity and equipment. Our lives depend on our ability to slow the spread of this virus by staying home,” Mayor Gerald Tamburro said in the statement.
“I expect Monroe’s new cases will continue to increase in the coming days. As I stated earlier this week, the expanded statewide testing and particularly our local drive-up testing, which has ramped up to over 100 tests per testing day, is the critical information we all need to battle this this growing pandemic. This virus affects residents of all ages in the township.
“More than two weeks ago, we began our efforts in the township to slow the spread of this virus. I thank everyone for helping but let me be clear: I need children to stay home, I need teens to stay home, I need adults to stay home, and our seniors need to stay home. I need everyone to stay home.”
Tamburro said he instructed Police Chief Michael Biennas to have the Police Department break up any group gatherings where social distancing rules are being ignored, according to the statement. To report a gathering, call the Monroe Police Department’s non-emergency number at 732-521-0222.
***
The State of New Jersey and the New Jersey Chief of Pharmacy Services released a list of pharmacies offering delivery. CVS and Walgreens have also announced free delivery. Visit monroetwp.com/index.php/news/649-nj-pharmacies-offering-home-delivery-3-27-20
Governor Phil Murphy announced that following conversations with President Donald Trump, New Jersey received a critical shipment of PPE from the federal stockpile including N95 masks, medical beds, gloves and coveralls. Any businesses wanting to donate PPE should call the Monroe Office of Emergency Management at 732-521-0222. Homemade masks are also important; contact the OEM for pickup.
Murphy also said on March 28 that New Jersey would give homeowners mortgage relief during the coronavirus outbreak. Visit www.nj-ne.ws/JcJVnsa.
In addition, Murphy put out a call for volunteers with qualified medical training and experience who which to join the fight against COVID-19. Desired volunteers include retired nurses or doctors, nursing and medical students, EMTs and former members of the Armed Services’ medical corps. Interested parties should sign up at www.covid19.nj.gov/volunteer.
Visit www.COVID19.NJ.GOV for the latest information and resources.