For
Immediate Release:
April 16, 2020
County
officials provide
COVID-19 and Elections updates
FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County officials held a
press conference today to provide updates on COVID-19, County operations and
the upcoming elections.
Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone began the press
conference by giving an overview of the COVID-19 situation in Monmouth County
and the trend of the daily numbers of new cases.
“While we are beginning to see the
curve flattening, it is important to remember that we are not out of the woods
yet and still need to be diligent about practicing social distancing,” said
Freeholder Director Arnone. “County employees are adhering to social distancing
guidelines and are all being given face coverings this week as an added safety
measure.”
The Freeholder Director spoke about
County initiatives that are forthcoming and currently in place to aide
residents of Monmouth County.
“The County is actively working on a number of
resources and initiatives to help our residents, especially those who are among
the most vulnerable: our senior citizens,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A.
Arnone. “One example is the Monmouth County Division of Transportation’s SCAT
program, which offering early morning transportation for seniors to take
advantage of the designated shopping hours offered by many grocery stores and
other essential retail locations.”
For more information about the Monmouth County SCAT
transportation services, go to www.visitmonmouth.com
or call 732-431-6480.
Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley announced
that, in collaboration with the Board of Chosen Freeholders and Monmouth ACTS,
the Mental Health Association (MHA) of Monmouth County will soon be able to
connect individuals with licensed clinicians.
“Beginning Monday, April 20, the MHA of Monmouth
County will open phone lines to connect residents in need of emotional support
to pro bono licensed professionals,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley. “So
far, 51 incredible clinicians have come forward to volunteer their time and
skillset, but more volunteers, specifically bilingual professionals, are needed
to bolster this effort. The Monmouth County Health Department hotline will
direct callers inquiring about emotional assistance to MHA support services.”
Licensed clinicians interested in volunteering or
residents in need can contact the MHA of Monmouth County by calling
732-542-6422 to speak with a live representative from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or
emailing mha@mentalhealthmonmouth.org.
The Deputy Director also discussed the release of
the COVID-19 Community Resource Guide, created by the County’s Office on Aging
in cooperation with the 53 municipalities.
“This resource guide for seniors offers a wide range
of information and contacts for food delivery, pharmacies, caregiver support,
financial assistance and so much more,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley.
“The guide will continue to be updated by municipality as changes occur during
this unprecedented time.”
The COVID-10 Community Resource Guide is available on www.MonmouthACTS.org/covid19.
“Another great initiative that is becoming
increasingly successful is our ‘Take Out in Monmouth’ program, which has been
used by more than 10,500 people already,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “This
week we added a new subgroup of businesses open for business—garden centers,
many of whom are our own Made in Monmouth members. We have added over 30 garden
centers to our list who are practicing social distancing and offering pick-up
and delivery.”
“As the weather continues to
improve, I encourage residents to get outside in their own yards. Fixing up
their gardens is one way they can do that in a safe way,” added Freeholder
Director Arnone.
Monmouth County Clerk Christine
Giordano Hanlon advised residents that Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive
Order No. 120 last week, which postponed the 2020 Primary Election on June 2 to
July 7, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Executive Order includes the
postponement of primaries for President, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and county and municipal elections, as well as county
committee elections in Monmouth County.
“Based on the new Primary Election
date of July 7, the voter registration deadline for the election will be moved
to June 16 and the deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by mail will now be
June 30,” said Clerk Hanlon. “If you have any questions, I encourage you to
visit my Elections website at MonmouthCountyVotes.com or to call my Elections
Office at 732-431-7790.”
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