As consumers are crowding back into stores, restaurants and other places of business as states ease pandemic-related restrictions, a full return to normal isn’t likely to happen until November 2021, according to Ezekiel (Zeke) Emanuel, vice provost for global initiatives and chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton professor of health care management. Emanuel said strict adherence to non-pharmacological interventions work better than haphazard compliance with them, and it has been challenging to get everyone to comply. In fact, states like Arizona, Florida and Texas have seen infections skyrocket since they relaxed lockdown measures. “I think it’s almost inevitable we’re going to have a second wave that pops up in October or November [of this year], when we’re all going inside. That worries me a lot,” he said. “Adhering to strict measures doesn’t seem possible in the U.S.” He also pointed to research that shows the immune system reaction to the virus is short-lived, with antibodies lasting only two to three months versus three to 12 months for other viruses, indicating that it might be difficult to develop a long-lasting vaccine.

Alongside the driveway at the Chestnut Station Senior Complex is a hidden gem of an Incredible Edible Garden and the perfect example of a a creative way to transform an unused hardscape into a sustainable landscape. This garden is carefully nurtured by resident volunteer, Francis Mcgarry, and produces annual seasonal vegetables that support food security and nutrition for many seniors living in the complex. Incredible Edible Merchantville, maintains more than a dozen small action garden/pollinator projects in town and has added 17 residential and business gardens to their Sustainable Landscape Registry this year. We applaud every small action in the Borough that promotes land stewardship, food justice and sustainability. Register your garden by sending pics & info to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

New Jersey is one of only three states that are on track to contain Covid-19. Gov. Phil Murphy has been adamant about the importance of wearing masks during the pandemic, mandating on Wednesday, July 15th, that they be worn outdoors nearly at all times. New Jersey flattened the curve with masks. Other states didn’t. The premise behind wearing masks is that they contain small respiratory droplets, making it less likely you could spread the virus to others. The governor's executive order on masks excludes children younger than 2 years old, those partaking in some sports activities, people who are eating and drinking, as well as those with underlying health conditions. Wear a mask. Social distance. Get tested.

Until yesterday, there had been no increase in Merchantville’s Covid-19 report for 7 days. However, three additional cases of the virus were identified on Wednesday and Thursday - two males in their 30's and a female in her 20’s. During the same time period the Camden County Department of Health announced 152 additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and 13 deaths between July 11th and July 13th. This brings the aggregate number of confirmed positive cases to 8,311 in Camden County today and 514 total fatalities. Covid-19 symptom checker. Be Smart - Mask Up - Stay Safe.

After 40 years in banking, Donna Russo Gallagher's life-long dream was to start a thrift shop and, fortunately for Merchantville, that dream - Twisted Middle Sister Thrift - came true right here on June 27th. Donna's shop offers an eclectic mix of vintage knick-knacks, jewelry, home and personal accessories, furnishings, clothing, art - and for that avid fisherman - some poles and lures! Call (856) 571-1023 for hours so you can take a first hand look at all her goodies

Merchantville School's Re-opening Committee is working to develop a plan for the 2020-2021 school year. The committee includes representatives from the administration, Board of Education, teachers, nurses, parents, police and Borough Council. A survey was sent to parents and guardians to complete for each child they have attending Merchantville School. 257 responses were received. Survey results will provide the committee with information to drive decision making about guidelines and procedures to be presented to the Board of Education at the end of July as the final re-opening plan. The Re-opening Committee is using guidance from the NJDOE's "The Road Back: Restart and Recovery Plan for Education" to ensure the best solutions for our students and staff. St. Peter School intends on opening on Tuesday, September 8th unless directed otherwise by the Diocese of Camden or the State of New Jersey. They are developing several home based solutions for those families who are either uncomfortable with their children returning to school, have children with underlying medical issues, or for other reasons will need to remain home for either the entirety of the school year or parts of the school year. Their Little Saints Preschool will open the week of September 8th, with specific dates TBD.

To help senior citizens who are living in homes without air conditioning or other means of cooling this summer, Camden County is distributing free fans to seniors. The Division of Senior and Disabled Services will be hosting a contactless drive-thru distribution on Wednesday, July 15th, beginning at 11 a.m. Qualifying seniors can receive their fan while maintaining a physical distance. Camden County residents ages 60 and older with an income of $25,000 or less are eligible. Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Division of Senior Services reports, “We have already distributed dozens of fans this summer and are prepared to get even more in the hands of seniors who need them.

The Merchantville Board of Education meetings will continue to be accessible via a zoom webinar through August 2020. Due to the Corona virus (COVID-19), the Merchantville Board of Education public meetings are being held online using Zoom, a cloud-based video conferencing tool. These instructions are provided for your convenience and are intended to assist persons in accessing and/or participating in public meetings. If you have questions, prior to the meeting you may call the Main Office during business hours at (856) 663-1091. However, any technical questions should be sent directly to Zoom.

Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr., was joined today by Camden County’s business advocates, Congressman Donald Norcross and clergy to announce a forthcoming grant funding program for small businesses launching on July 23rd. The county has received federal funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to assist struggling businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we navigate through this public health crisis, we know that merchants on Main Street are hurting and it is imperative to make every effort to get them additional financial assistance. The application process will start on July 23rd, at 8 a.m. and applicants can apply directly on www.camdencountycares.com or call (833) 487-0462.