METUCHEN – With 13 new COVID-19 cases in the first 11 days of August, Mayor Jonathan Busch urges the public to continue social distancing, to wear a mask and to avoid large parties or gatherings.
“In Metuchen, we’re not doing so hot,” he said in a social media post on Aug. 11, noting the borough only had six COVID-19 cases from June 1 to July 20.
The total number of COVID-19 cases is 150 as of Aug. 11. The borough has lost three residents to the virus, according to Middlesex County, according to information provided by Middlesex County.
Busch said Middlesex County handles contact tracing and they have enough information to dispel a few rumors in the borough. The most recent infections come from all age groups, there is no known link to the borough’s outdoor dining program, there are no known cases of spread among borough recreation or school sports teams and the borough is following and enforcing the state’s executive orders to require employees and customers to wear masks in indoor establishments.
Outdoor dining, retail applications for expanded use of public sidewalks, public parking, public streets and private spaces are available on the borough’s website. Gov. Phil Murphy announced outdoor dining will resume on June 15.
Busch had announced on June 8 the borough, in conjunction with Hackensack Meridian Health and Boxcar, will present the Halsey Movie Drive-in at the Halsey Street parking lot this summer. Local businesses have also partnered with the endeavor offering dinner and snacks. For tickets visit https://www.boxcarapp.com/metuchen-movies.
The Metuchen Public Library began offering contactless pickup of library materials on June 22. Library materials can only be returned via the library book drop. For more information visit metuchenlibrary.org.
The borough is accepting applications for crossing guards and substitute crossing guards. Up to 15 hours per week with a starting rate of $15 per hour. Applications are available at metuchennj.org or can be completed in person at the Metuchen Police Dispatch desk. Any questions, contact Police Capt. JP Therrien at 732-632-8545.
Bulk and metal pickup resumed on June 1. To accommodate as many residents as possible, the township’s Department of Public Works will limit pickups to no more than three items per home. To schedule a pickup call 732-632-8519.
For more information visit metuchennj.org.
For more information regarding COVID-19, call the state’s hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
For Middlesex County information visit discovermiddlesex.com/covid19/ or www.middlesexcountynj.gov/covid19.