By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

It was March 13 when Pennsauken Mayor Tim Killion announced the closure of Township facilities because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Seven weeks later, the local community still faces many challenges. From an ongoing “Stay at Home” mandate from state government, to businesses both big and small determining how to stay afloat, the coronavirus continues to impact all aspects of life.

As of May 1, there have been 302 confirmed cases of the virus in Pennsauken, with two residents passing away from COVID-19 related complications.

“We continue to see new cases of the coronavirus in Pennsauken. With more and more testing, we’re going to see those numbers increase,” says Killion. “But make no mistake. Social distancing practices are working to flatten the curve of COVID-19. We’re sacrificing a lot, but it’s to ensure the safety of our community.”

“Stay At Home” Executive Order Still In Effect

During his press conference on April 27, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy stated that the “Stay at Home” Executive Order will remain in effect in its entirety until further notice.    

 “There is much more work to do. If we let up even one bit with our aggressive social distancing measures too soon, even one day too soon, we can easily see ourselves skidding off this road,” said Murphy.

“Public health creates economic health. Before we reopen non-essential stores and businesses; before we can reopen our parks; before we allow in-person dining in our restaurants, among any host of other activities, people need to know that their health will be safeguarded from COVID-19.”

Governor Murphy highlighted the “roadmap” to reopening the state, identifying six key milestones:

• Sustaining reductions in new cases and hospitalizations for at least a 14-day trend
• Doubling diagnostic testing capacity by the end of May
• Implementing robust contract tracing to stop the spread of COVID-19
• Securing safe places for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate
• Planning a responsible, methodical, and strategic return to work
• Ensuring New Jersey’s resiliency to prevent this from happening again 

“This roadmap is designed with one goal only: to restore the health, strength and wellbeing of New Jersey for the long term,” explained Murphy. “But let me repeat a basic truth: until we give the public confidence that you should not be fearful, we cannot take further steps. A plan that is needlessly rushed is a plan that will needlessly fail. As we travel this road we will ensure that not just most of us come along for the ride, but that every community is with us.”

On April 29, Governor Murphy signed an executive order to reopen New Jersey’s state parks and allow golf courses and county parks to reopen beginning Saturday, May 2. In accordance with this order, the golf course at the Pennsauken Country Club, 3800 Haddonfield Rd., will reopen at that time, with social distancing measures in effect. The Township has also reopened its municipal parks for passive recreation. While residents can walk, run, or bike along our paths, sections like playgrounds, exercise stations, basketball courts, skateboard park, and athletic fields are still closed. Organized activities, barbeques, and picnics cannot be held at this time. Social distancing and mask wearing are also very important.

In addition, Governor Murphy has given municipalities the option of extending the grace period for this quarter’s property taxes. Much like the 30-day grace period offered at the beginning of this crisis, Pennsauken Township is helping residents by allowing them to make second quarter tax payment on June 1. This grace period only applies to second quarter taxes. If you choose to use this option, please remember that any payments made beyond June 1 will have retroactive interest from May 1.

Remote Learning Continues For Pennsauken School District

Pennsauken Public School buildings continue to be closed through at least Friday, May 15, according to Governor Murphy, but school officials feel it will be longer.

“I honestly would be very surprised if we returned to school this year,” wrote Dr. Ronnie Tarchichi, superintendent of schools for the Pennsauken School District, in his message to families in this issue. “But we will remain hopeful, as we miss seeing our students every day.”

This year’s senior trip to Florida was canceled last month; and the District is making changes to both high school graduation and the senior awards ceremony. More information can be found here.

Community Resources

Pennsauken Township puts out regular updates on the coronavirus outbreak throughout the week via its website, twp.pennsauken.nj.us; Pennsauken Television, Channel 19 on Comcast and Channel 21 on Fios; and its social media channels: Facebook.com/PennsaukenTwp and @pennsaukentwp for both Twitter and Instagram.

Residents with questions or concerns related to the coronavirus can call a free, 24-hour public hotline at 2-1-1 or (800) 962-1253, where trained professionals are standing by to answer questions. New Jersey residents can now also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text information and stay informed. To receive live text assistance, residents can text their zip code to 898-211. More information is also available on the state’s coronavirus-dedicated website at https://covid19.nj.gov/.