East Brunswick, Nj: Covid-19 Cases

As of Monday, April 21, 2020, there were 326 confirmed COVID-19 cases in East Brunswick Township, New Jersey, with many more suspected. Mayor Brad Cohen noted that the cases appeared to be evenly distributed throughout the town, without any specific clusters in one location. In response to the outbreak, Mayor Cohen recommended that residents wear masks or facial coverings when visiting stores and other places where social distancing cannot be maintained.

Mayor Brad Cohen confirms 326 positive cases

Mayor Brad Cohen of East Brunswick, New Jersey, has confirmed 326 positive cases of COVID-19 in the township as of Monday, April 21, 2020. The mayor, who was elected into office in 2016, communicated this information to the public, assuring residents that the cases were evenly distributed throughout the town, with no apparent clusters in any specific locations.

Mayor Cohen, a practicing gynecologist and long-time resident of East Brunswick, has a track record of effective leadership in the township. Before becoming mayor, he served on the East Brunswick Board of Education, helping steer the schools through challenging economic times following the Great Recession. He was also instrumental in redevelopment projects that have stabilized municipal taxes.

In his COVID-19 address, Mayor Cohen emphasized the importance of wearing masks or facial coverings when visiting stores and other places where social distancing cannot be maintained. He acknowledged that the confirmed case count might not reflect the full scope of the disease in the community, as many individuals were asymptomatic or exhibited mild symptoms, and testing capacities were limited.

The mayor's COVID-19 update came during a period when the township was facing various challenges and pursuing ambitious goals. Mayor Cohen described the previous two years as "the challenge of the century," but expressed confidence that the township was on a positive trajectory, characterized by stability, inclusivity, compassion, and a forward-thinking vision.

Looking ahead to 2022, Mayor Cohen outlined several objectives for the township, including enhancing recreational programs, improving infrastructure, and addressing overcrowding in elementary schools. Specific initiatives included starting a youth ice hockey program, installing a COVID sculpture in the expanded Community Arts Center, and establishing a sister-city relationship with an Israeli city.

Cases are evenly distributed, no cluster

As of Monday, April 21, 2020, there were 326 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases in East Brunswick Township, according to Mayor Brad Cohen. Mayor Cohen also stated that the cases are evenly distributed throughout the town and that there does not seem to be a cluster in any one location. This assertion was supported by an analysis of the addresses of the confirmed cases.

The lack of clustering suggests that the virus is spreading throughout the town in a relatively dispersed manner. This could be due to a variety of factors, including the effectiveness of social distancing and other preventive measures implemented by the community. It is also important to note that the number of confirmed cases may not reflect the actual disease prevalence, as many individuals may be asymptomatic or exhibit mild symptoms that do not prompt testing, especially considering the shortage of tests at the time.

The even distribution of cases can be advantageous in terms of managing the outbreak. When cases are clustered, it can overwhelm local healthcare resources and make contact tracing more challenging. By having cases spread out across the town, it may be easier to manage the impact on healthcare facilities and conduct effective contact tracing to curb the spread of the virus.

Furthermore, the absence of clusters indicates that there are no specific hotspots or high-risk areas within the town that require targeted interventions. This allows public health efforts to focus on broad-based strategies that apply uniformly across the town, such as promoting social distancing, encouraging proper hygiene practices, and providing accurate information about the virus and its prevention.

While the even distribution of cases suggests that the virus is not concentrated in any particular area, it is still crucial for residents to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended guidelines. Mayor Cohen has advised residents to wear masks or facial coverings when visiting stores or places where social distancing cannot be assured. By taking these precautions, the community can help slow the spread of the virus and protect those who are most vulnerable to its effects.

East Brunswick parks remain open

As of April 2020, East Brunswick, New Jersey, had 326 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with many more suspected. Mayor Brad Cohen noted that the cases were evenly distributed throughout the town, with no apparent clusters. Despite the outbreak, East Brunswick's parks have remained open for limited use.

The township boasts nearly 1,000 acres of parkland and open spaces, with 17 developed and 2 undeveloped parks offering a range of recreational opportunities. However, some facilities within these parks are currently closed. For example, Beaver Dam Park is closed to the public until the end of June 2024 for EPA Soil Remediation, while Bicentennial Park's Tennis Court #1 is closed indefinitely for resurfacing. Similarly, the tennis courts at Lenape Park are off-limits due to an unplayable surface, and Washington Heights Park is undergoing maintenance.

Despite these closures, residents can still enjoy the many other amenities that East Brunswick's parks have to offer, such as nature trails, lakes, and rivers for fishing and boating. Mayor Cohen has urged residents to wear masks or facial coverings when visiting stores or places where social distancing cannot be maintained.

COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides support to low- and moderate-income households facing a loss of income due to the pandemic. The program is currently closed as funding has been fully obligated, but pre-applications can be submitted to be considered in the future if additional funds become available.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, households must:

• Qualify for unemployment benefits or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19.
• Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income.
• Lack assets and savings to pay rent arrears or current and future rent.
• Be a New Jersey resident.
• Be obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling.

Assistance Details

The program provides assistance for:

• Rental arrears: Up to 12 months of emergency rental assistance is available to help pay for rent arrears.
• Future rent: Financial assistance for future rent is limited to three months based on the application submitted, with the possibility of additional months subject to the availability of funds and eligibility, not exceeding 12 months.

Application Process

Applications for the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program must be submitted online. The following information is required:

• Names, birthdates, and income information for all individuals living in the household.
• Landlord information.
• Current and previous housing assistance received, if any.
• Evidence of financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19.
• Evidence of being at high risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Lease agreement.
• Proof of arrears.

Contact Information

For more information or assistance with the application process, contact:

• Phone: 609-490-4550
• Email: [email protected]

New Jersey maintains a COVID-19 dashboard

The State of New Jersey maintains a COVID-19 dashboard with up-to-date information on the pandemic. The dashboard provides a wealth of resources for residents, including a 24/7 hotline for medical questions, information on symptoms, testing, and treatment, as well as guidance on when to seek medical attention. The site also offers details on vaccination, including eligibility and the number of recommended doses. Notably, the state recommends that everyone 6 months or older get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The New Jersey COVID-19 dashboard also provides practical advice on protective measures, such as the use of face masks, and hand hygiene and surface cleaning. It addresses concerns about the spread of the virus, offering guidance on isolation and quarantine protocols. Additionally, the site features a reopening survey for businesses and nonprofits, aiming to gather insights on the impact of COVID-19 and develop strategies for a safe and productive return to work.

While the dashboard offers comprehensive state-level information, for more localized data, residents of East Brunswick, NJ, can refer to the Middlesex County COVID-19 Information Page. This page provides local testing location information and updates from Mayor Cohen. It also includes general information about the virus, its symptoms, and methods of spread. However, for the most recent case counts and statistics specific to East Brunswick, residents may need to refer to other sources or local government announcements.

The COVID-19 pandemic has required a coordinated response, and the State of New Jersey has taken a proactive approach by centralizing critical information on its dashboard. By doing so, it ensures that residents have access to accurate and timely guidance, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and safety. The dashboard serves as a one-stop resource for medical advice, protective measures, vaccination details, and reopening plans, demonstrating the state's commitment to transparency and public well-being during this global health crisis.

Frequently asked questions