COVID-19
Coronavirus Messages from Mayor Brennan
April 7, 2020 - The pandemic of coronavirus is causing disruption to the lives of people throughout the world and Merchantville is no different. I want to assure the residents of Merchantville that throughout this pandemic, the Borough is committed to and has put into place certain contingencies to ensure the continued provision of essential services to the community including police, fire and other first responders, along with public works and other essential services. We are working with our partners at the County, State and Federal levels on contingency planning to obtain resources and to implement effective planning. Residents should rest assured that those services will continue, and residents can expect the same exceptional service and response from those essential services during this unprecedented time. Residents are also reminded that our community is built upon our relationships and now is a time to show courage and calm, avoid panic and care for ourselves and our neighbors by taking measured actions such as social distancing.
Coronavirus Message from Mayor Brennan - March 13, 2020
Closure of Borough Facilities to the Public - March 15, 2020
Additional Closures and Actions - March 19, 2020
Letter to the Business Community - March 21, 2020
Small Business Resources - March 21, 2020
Help Our Business Community - March 21, 2020
A Message to the Community - March 30, 2020
Mayor's Covid-19 Message - April 6, 2020
Borough Park Closures and Additional Actions - April 7, 2020
The expiration date for driver licenses, registration and inspections were extended again on May 18th. Gov. Phil Murphy and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Sue Fulton announced that an additional extension will be implemented for the documents as the agency remains closed to due to their continuing efforts to mitigate COVID-19 and safeguard public health. All standard driver licenses, including permits, all vehicle registrations, vehicle inspections, temporary tags and veteran/Purple Heart placards that…
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Gov. Murphy's Executive Order No. 147 will take effect on Friday, May 22nd at 6:00 a.m. allowing certain outdoor activities at recreational businesses, including archery ranges, batting cages, golf driving ranges, horseback riding, shooting ranges, and tennis clubs as well as community gardens to open with required social distancing measures in place. To limit physical interactions, the order requires outdoor recreational businesses that reopen to limit capacity to 10 people at one time and implement…
Federal Emergency aid will help New Jersey school districts with expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The median amount among 654 districts and charter schools is about $116,000, ranging from no additional money in a handful of small districts or charter schools to nearly $19.3 million in Newark. Merchantville received $57,974. Gov. Phil Murphy says state aid to schools is in jeopardy as New Jersey faces revenue shortfalls in the billions of dollars and while…
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AN article in the New York Times highlights new evidence that some children may become very sick, and we are beginning to learn more about who may be most at risk and what parents need to watch for. This past week there were reports of children hospitalized in different locations, including New York City, with a multisystem inflammatory disease. In addition, new research continues to be published describing the ways that the virus can behave…
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Six weeks ago, The Cooper Foundation established the COVID-19 Assistance Fund to support our healthcare professionals working around the clock caring for patients who have come into contact with the virus. From critical PPE to meals and coffee for health system workers and heartwarming messages of gratitude and encouragement – our community has embraced our needs with overwhelming generosity and we are so thankful. In addition to face masks, face shields, gowns and ventilators, the…
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Mayor Brennan recorded a video message for the Borough of Merchantville regarding COVID-19 on May 7th. His message included the unfortunate announcement of the Borough’s first coronavirus death; clarification of passive recreation park use; the requirement to wear face coverings when working at or patronizing essential businesses; and, availability of testing by appointment regardless of symptoms for anyone over 18 at the Barrington Rite Aid site. The mayor thanked residents for all their hard work…
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Merchantville is filled with neighbors going the extra mile to help each other and the community. It is also home to frontline workers like lifelong Merchantville resident Laura Panarello. As an assistant nurse manager for Virtua Health’s satellite emergency rooms in both Camden and Berlin, Ms. Panarello is familiar with the impact Covid-19 continues to have on our area. She took a few moments to speak with me about this time and how the hospital,…
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Between April 26th and May 4th there have been nine (9) new cases in Merchantville bringing the Borough total to 25 residents. Most recent Covid-19 cases include resident males in their 50's, 60's and 70's and females in their 60s. The Camden County Department of Health has announced 3,542 cases in Camden County today and 186 total fatalities. Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. stated, “We have reached a difficult stage in this pandemic, one where…
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Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Monday, May 4th, that all public and private schools in the state will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. His statement read, “This is a difficult decision and I know that many students, parents, and staff would like to be able to return to school." Murphy first ordered all schools in the state closed on March 18th and said repeatedly that remote education would continue until at…
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On April 28th Comcast announced it will extend its commitments for Xfinity customers through June 30, originally announced on March 13th, to help ensure students can finish out the school year from home and remain connected to the internet during the COVID-19 crisis. These commitments include: No Disconnects and Waiving Late Fees; Xfinity WiFi Free for Everyone; Pausing Data Plans; and, Internet Essentials: For more information and updates from Comcast related to Coronavirus, visit: http://www.comcastcorporation.com/COVID-19/
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Many Camden County residents who receive food assistance through the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP) will receive additional benefits in May to help address critical food needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional $36 million will be provided to about 214,000 New Jersey households in May. SNAP supplemental payments were included in the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act. In March and April, Human Services announced $70 million in total additional NJ…
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On Friday, May 1st, the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers will be on Facebook Live to give updates about COVID-19 testing in Camden, community resources, and other important information. Join us at 12:00 p.m. for English and at 12:30 PM for Spanish. The Camden Coalition works to advance the field of complex care by implementing person-centered programs and piloting new models that address chronic illness and social barriers to health and wellbeing. Founded by Jeffrey…
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Two new testing centers for COVID-19 will open in Camden to increase testing capability and bring it closer to home for many Camden residents. New Testing Site Locations: 2600 Mount Ephraim Avenue in the Camden Division of Motor Vehicle Parking Lot from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. This will be manned by healthcare staff from Virtual Hospital. Opening Day: Wednesday, April 29th. Second site: 3101 Federal Street at Dudley Grange Park from 8:30…
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On Wednesday, April 29th, conforming with new executive orders from Governor Murphy, Mayor Brennan announced the reopening of Merchantville's public parks on Saturday, May 1st. Playground equipment, public restrooms and athletic facilities will remain closed to minimize the risk of overcrowding in congested areas. "All Residents and Members of our larger community: Thank you for your continued cooperation during this difficult time. The Borough appreciates your efforts and we are pleased to provide some good…
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