CoronaVirus Disease (COVID-19)

New Jersey Department of Health - COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

COVID 19 VACCINE INFORMATION
TESTING SITE INFORMATION - CLICK HERE
New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub - Ask any COVID-19 questions you may have
Residents with a Positive COVID-19 Test: Instructions & Next Steps
Ill Residents who Tested Negative for COVID-19: Instructions & Next Steps
Does my business need to close due to the State’s COVID-19 directives?
Executive Order 107 Violation Reporting Form 
NJ Department of Health/ CDC Corona Virus Info and Updates

Posted 1/6/2021

contact information

New Jersey Department of Health Novel Coronavirus Call Center is open and is taking calls only from the general public. It is open 24/7 and can accommodate callers in multiple languages. They can be reached at 800-222-1222. If in NJ and using a non-NJ cell phone please call 800-962-1253. Clinicians with questions should contact the West Orange Health Department for guidance at 973 325-4130.

The most relevant COVID-19 FAQ’s have been addressed by the West Orange Health Department and can be read online here. Additional issues will be posted as needed in subsequent updates. Please email specific questions or concerns to: covidvirus@westorange.org

The Mayor’s Sunshine Fund has helped many residents during this crisis and is still taking donations.  If you are in need of assistance or are interested in making a donation please call 973-325-4105.

Regular COVID-19 updates can be found on the Township website at www.westorange.org or on the Township’s Facebook page Facebook.com/westorangeinfo.

Remember to continue to practice social distancing.  But that does not mean social isolation.  Phone a friend, email and find ways to stay connected with friends and loved ones. As we start this new month, we remember and offer our thoughts to all those impacted by the COVID-19 virus. And we can also celebrate the great progress we have made during the crisis.  But we are not done yet…continue to be smart, be careful and wear a mask.

All Municipal Offices Closed to the Public Until Further Notice: Call 973-325-4100, leave a message and someone will return your phone call. Visit Staff Directory for direct office contact information

MAYOR’S SUNSHINE FUND

The link below can be used for making tax deductible donations to the Fund…any little bit will help us to help those that need it the most!   www.westorange.org/sunshinefund

A lot of our neighbors are in need of assistance at this time and many others are trying to find ways to help. The Mayor’s Sunshine Fund was established several decades ago for just this purpose. On an annual basis, The Mayor’s Sunshine Fund provides Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas presents to hundreds of residents each year while also providing temporary assistance to residents experiencing setbacks.

The Fund is being used during this crisis to assist in feeding many Senior Citizens on a daily basis. But the longer this crisis continues, the more resources we will need to provide help, not only to Senior Citizens, but to many neighbors that need help now and the many more that will need it the longer this continues.

ALERT TO ALL RESIDENTS: 

Recycling Facilities that receive and process your recyclables have receiving a high amount of  latex gloves and masks in the recycling loads. These items are  NOT considered household recycling and   should be properly disposed as trash  . The health and safety of the facility employees is their number one priority. They need to make sure they can keep their crews healthy to continue this essential service.

 Health Department

Click for Confirmed Case Update

UPDATED: APRIL 17, 2020: SCAM ALERT!!! 

Please take note of the most recent scam happening in our area and the region, now in the form of a text message. DO NOT CLICK THE LINK. Simply delete the message. SHARE to make sure your friends, family, and neighbors are aware.

Updated: april 8, 2020: scam notification from PSEG 

Scams: Another Side Effect of Coronavirus
PSE&G warns customers of scammers taking advantage during times of crisis 

Public Service Electric & Gas, New Jersey’s largest utility, is more committed than ever to the health and safety of its customers. A heightened sense of uncertainty throughout the world is emboldening phone scammers who impersonate utility employees and PSE&G urges customers to know the facts and protect themselves. 

“In times like these, every challenge our households face is magnified,” said Fred Daum, executive director, PSE&G Customer Operations. “The heightened anxiety we’re feeling is perfect for scammers, whose preferred tactic is to make people panic at the thought of getting their power shut off. That’s why it’s important for people to know that, during this crisis, PSE&G is not shutting off power for non-payment due to financial burdens.” 

Phone scammers typically tell their potential victims that they must pay an overdue bill or face immediate shut off of electricity. PSE&G is reminding its customers that, in the interest of protecting public health, shut-offs of electric service for non-payment have been temporarily suspended. 

As another reminder, PSE&G does not accept payment via prepaid gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin.

What to look out for

·    You receive a call from what looks like PSE&G on your caller ID.
· The caller threatens to shut off your service and demands an immediate payment by cash, pre-paid card, wire transfer or Bitcoin.
· The caller informs you that you require a new meter and demands a deposit before the installation can occur (PSE&G does not require a deposit for a new meter installation).
· You’re given a phone number to call back that, when called, may sound similar to PSE&G’s automated call system.
·    The caller alerts you that, because of your good bill-paying history, you’re eligible for a bill reduction or discount but you must provide information first.

 What PSE&G will and won’t discuss over the phone

·    A genuine PSE&G representative will ask to speak to the account owner.
· If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the account name, address and current balance.
·    If the account owner is not available, the PSE&G representative will not discuss the account at all and ask that a message be left for the Customer of Record to call 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).

**Important Safety Precaution- Please be aware that there have been reports of individuals going door to door claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control in other parts of the state. The CDC does NOT deploy teams to go door to door. Residents should Contact Law Enforcement if this activity is reported.

updated mARCH 21, 2020: SCAM NOTIFICATION

Saint Barnabas administrators want the public to be aware of a potential scam. "If anybody stops by your home and claims to be from Saint Barnabas Medical Center, please be aware that they are in no way affiliated with us. Please DO NOT open the door and call the police, immediately. Unfortunately, there are several people knocking on doors, claiming to be representing the hospital. We do not have any people working for the hospital knocking on doors or visiting homes in the community. We appreciate your understanding and we hope you’re staying healthy and safe.”

UPDATED MARCH 18, 2020: A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IS DECLARED IN WEST ORANGE

Proclamation: State Of Emergency Declared in West Orange

UPDATED MARCH 17, 2020:   FOOD  PANTRY NEEDS THE FOLLOWING

peanut butter, jelly, bread, ramen, soup, canned fruit, spaghetti sauce, pasta
We will update community as needed. Thank you for your generosity
Donations can be dropped off Tues-Weds-Thurs 10-12 and Fri 9-1. Ring bell when you arrive.

UPDATED MARCH 17, 2020 :  STAYING CONNECTED DURING THE CORONAVIRUS SITUATION

As the country deals with the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Comcast is taking immediate steps to help connect more low-income families to the Internet at home. Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, new Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service. We are also increasing the speed of the program to 25 Mbps downloads, and 3 Mbps uploads for all new and existing customers.

After your first two free months expire, you can either cancel the service (which you can do at any time) or keep it as a regular paying Internet Essentials customer. You will receive an easy to use self-install-kit that includes a cable modem (to receive service at your home) with a WiFi router (to connect your devices without wires). There is no term contract or credit check and no shipping fee for equipment.

 For more information: https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19

UPDATED MARCH 17, 2020 6:45 A.M. :  WATCH MAYOR PARISI PRESS CONFERENCE FROM 3/16
Press conference begins at 22:00 minutes (scroll)

updated march 15, 2020 7 p.m. :  important message from the township of west orange, NJ

Approximately one hour ago, the WOHD received notification from the NJDOH regarding a Positive Case of Covid-19 within the Township. Members of our task force are working with state and hospital partners to get more information and begin the process of contact tracing. This is not a time to panic! This a time to follow the instructions of your local, county and state officials. All residents are urged to stay home as much as they can, avoid large groups, continue the practice of good hand washing and personal hygiene, and practice social distancing. Further information will be made available as it is received.

updated march 14, 2020:  PSE&G Temporarily Suspends Shut-offs Due to the Coronavirus Outbreak

As we continue to monitor developments regarding the coronavirus, PSE&G recognizes that some of our customers may be negatively affected by issues related to the pandemic. As always, our priority is the safety and well-being of our customers, employees and the communities we serve, and our thoughts are with those experiencing difficulty as a result.

In the interest of protecting public health, PSE&G is temporarily suspending shut-offs of electric or gas service to residential customers for non-payment. This policy is effective immediately. We recognize that customers may experience financial difficulty as a result of the outbreak, whether they or a family member fall ill, are required to quarantine, or because their income is otherwise affected. We hope to alleviate those customers’ concerns about their electric or gas service during this time.

New Jersey residential customers experiencing financial difficulty as a result of issues related to the coronavirus should contact PSE&G by calling 1-800-357-2262 to enter into a deferred payment arrangement.

This policy will be in place through the end of April. PSE&G will evaluate the continued need at that time.

updated March 14, 2020:  A Message About Coronavirus from New Jersey American Water 

At American Water, the health and safety of our customers, communities and employees is our top priority. We provide an essential service that is critically important and much like many other companies in the U.S., and across the globe, American Water has established coronavirus preparedness plans. Visit NJ American Water for complete details about their plan and preparedness.

Updated: March 13,2020 Message from the West Orange Police Department

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the West Orange Police Dept. is taking proactive measures in order to limit contact with the public to ensure the safety and well-being of your first responders. We understand there may be extra burdens placed on residents due to childcare issues and the possibility of residents being placed out of work, therefore, all town ordinance parking regulations will be suspended until further notice. Additionally, in an effort to maintain safety measures with our public, the West Orange Police Dept. will take non-investigative reports over the telephone. Again, this is to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents during this difficult time. Universal State Accident Forms will be utilized in the event of non-reportable motor vehicle crashes. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation. Stay safe & healthy.

updated: march 11, 2020 senior citizen programs and information

The West Orange Department of Health adheres to the recommendations of the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and the State Department of Health https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml.

Older adults and people with underlying health conditions are more vulnerable and should avoid large gatherings.

• Best strategies and preventive actions:
• Stay home if you are ill
• Wash hands frequently
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cough into elbow, not hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects, including telephones
  
  Additionally:
• Call your medical provider with any additional inquiries regarding specific health care needs
• Additional resources for older adults are available on the web page Senior Resources .

Updated: March 4, 2020  NJ Transit PSA

NJ TRANSIT ISSUES UPDATE ON PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST CORONAVIRUS
Agency’s Internal Task Force Works Closely with Public Health Officials 

NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT today issued an update on the precautionary measures taken by the agency in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), ensuring the agency is taking all appropriate precautions to protect employees and customers and that the system of Rail, Bus, Light Rail and Access Link vehicles remain safe to use.

In accordance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 102 creating the Coronavirus Task Force, NJ TRANSIT has been working with administration officials, state agencies and departments in a coordinated manner to ensure the health and safety of our customers, employees and that the state’s residents are protected.

While there are still no confirmed cases of any individual infected with the virus in the State of New Jersey, NJ TRANSIT formed an internal task force that includes highly-trained and experienced staff from its Medical, Office of Emergency Management, Environmental, Safety, Communications departments and all operating lines, and is closely monitoring news about COVID-19.

The general public is not considered at risk at this time as the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered to be very low. 

“NJ TRANSIT’s internal task force is meeting regularly, sharing of the most up-to-date information obtained from state and federal health officials,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett. “We will continue to coordinate with the state’s coronavirus task force and are prepared to take any and all steps necessary to protect the health and safety of our customers and employees.”

NJ TRANSIT’s operating units have in place clear protocols and procedures for the cleaning and disinfection of rolling stock, vehicles and public facilities identified.

NJ TRANSIT Rail, Bus, Light Rail and Access Link will enhance current cleaning procedures to augment our daily current practices and additional disinfection regimens. Hard surface cleaning and disinfecting typically includes handholds, arm rests, seating areas and restrooms.

NJ TRANSIT has increased the frequency of cleaning regimens for all stations using cleaning agents that are deemed effective for these purposes and contain anti-viral components such as bleach/water mixes and other disinfectant sprays and liquids. Areas regularly cleaned include are doors, door knobs, windows, benches, partitions, trash cans, elevators, escalators, handrails, ledges, all restrooms and floor surfaces and all floor mats.

NJ TRANSIT is closely engaged with the New Jersey Department of Health and other state and federal resources to carefully monitor, and if need be, respond to emergent health concerns that have the ability to impact customers and employees.

The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) offer the following preventative steps for the coronavirus:

• Stay home if you are sick
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash, then wash hands

NJ Department of Health/ CDC Corona Virus Info and Updates