A Message from Mayor Mahr

Earlier today the state reported another  3,748 positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to 51,027. There were 360 new cases in Union County, for a new total of 5,203. Below you will find an up-to-the-minute tracker of test results statewide.

I applaud Fanwoodians for staunchly following social distancing guidelines with such good cheer and grace.  For every dark moment, we have bright lights among you who are reaching out to help.  To recognize those better angels, I want to share some of their stories with you, and going forward will make “Good News in Hard Times” a regular feature of this e-blast.  So please share your stories of good works with me at mayor@fanwoodnj.org so we can recognize those angels among us.

In that vein, the FSP Rotary Club, whose mission is “Service Above Self”  has been working hard to coordinate local needs with local support and at their website fsprotary.org, you will find links to offer support and another to request support. To volunteer CLICK HERE and to request help CLICK HERE.

 

– Mayor Colleen Mahr

Update on Unemployment information

We wanted to provide an additional resource and update on statewide unemployment benefits:

  • 214,000 new unemployment filings

  • We have been informed no one will be denied benefits.

  • The state is suggesting people try to access the system in every early morning or late evenings when there is less traffic on the site

  • The state is looking for volunteers to help with COBOL, the software used to power many systems; link for those interested in the recap

Good News in Hard Times

Shout out to Fanwood resident Adam Goldberg, whose printing company, C2 Imaging, redirected their production lines from marketing materials to Personal Protective Equipment for first responders.  Thanks to his taking action, Fanwood Police, Fire and Rescue are all better equipped to serve us all in this time of need. Thank you, Adam!

Spring Religious Ceremonies Go Virtual

Passover began last night, Easter is this Sunday, and Ramadan begins in a couple of weeks. With all of these high Holy Holidays occurring at the height of this COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important that communities look to virtual services to maintain social distancing as they observe these religious traditions. Temple Sholom in Scotch Plains offers streaming services, as do many local temples and churches. Temple Sholom’s streaming services can be found at  sholomnj.org/worship/streaming-services.

List of Virtual Passover Services

Statewide List of Virtual Easter Services

Fanwood Liquor to close Monday

Out of safety concerns for the community, customers, and employees, Fanwood Liquor is temporarily closing beginning Monday, April 13. The store will be open through the weekend, with the hope to reopen later this month.

“We wish our Scotch Plains-Fanwood community good health and safety through these challenging times.”

Face Masks are Not a Substitute

We would like to remind ALL Fanwood residents that wearing a face mask in public is not a substitute for existing stay-at-home orders or social distancing protocol.

  • Please leave surgical and N95 masks for our medical professionals and first responders, who need them
  • Avoid touching the front of the mask
  • Wash your hands before putting on the mask & again after removal
  • Store the mask in a paper bag
  • Cloth masks are not recommended for children under two

New Executive Orders Announced

Earlier today Governor Murphy announced three new executive orders: The first moves the New Jersey Primary Election to Tuesday, July 7. The second order has several components to ensure social distancing including:
  • All nonessential construction projects will cease effective 8 p.m. Friday
  • Exceptions include projects that are hospital or school-related, transportation-related, affordable housing, individual housing sites that can adhere to strict limits to workers on-site, and emergency repairs to safely secure sites.
  • All essential retail businesses must indefinitely limit the number of customers to 50% of their approved capacity.
  • Customers and employees must wear face coverings, stores must install physical barriers between customers and employees whenever possible, and must regularly sanitize frequently used areas.
  • No town or county can impose their own rules on essential businesses.
The third Executive Order increases weight limits on interstate highways from 40 tons to 46 tons for trucks carrying COVID relief supplies.