A community update from Mayor Robert B. Giangeruso and the Lyndhurst Board of Commissioners / Lyndhurst Office of Emergency Management:
After consulting with the Lyndhurst Health Department, superintendent of schools, and the chief of police regarding COVID-19, and given the available data, information and guidance received from state and county officials, the township has decided to take the necessary steps to limit opportunities for large social interactions within Lyndhurst.
Effective immediately, the following public facilities are closed:
- All Lyndhurst Public Schools and school grounds for a minimum of two (2) weeks.
- The Lyndhurst Public Library until further notice.
- All Lyndhurst recreational facilities and playgrounds.
In addition, effective immediately, the following events and meetings have been canceled/altered:
- All recreation-sponsored games, practices, activities and events.
- All senior citizens lunches, dinners and civic meetings have been canceled.
- The Special Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for March 18.
- Municipal Court sessions have decreased their scheduled capacity.
These closures and cancelations will be in effect until further notice. However, we reserve the right to extend this timeframe based on available data and guidance from state and county officials.
Please also be advised of the following items of note:
- Township operations will continue as normal. If a visit to any township office is necessary, please contact the appropriate department and make an appointment to help in expedite your visit.
- Garbage and recycling will be collected on its normal operating schedule.
- Street cleaning will continue on its normal operating schedule.
- The Office of Emergency Management suggests for gatherings of over 25, the names and phone numbers of all those in attendance be retained by the organizer should there be a local outbreak of the virus. The organizer of the event is asked to keep the records for a period of 14 days.
We are advising our civic and non-township sponsored organizations to exercise caution when deciding whether to move forward with any planned events.
Please NOTE: Governor Murphy has recommended that gatherings larger than 250 people be canceled.
- We strongly encourage residents to exercise extreme caution when allowing children to play in groups and public spaces.
Public Safety
- All police services provided by the Lyndhurst Police Department will continue as normal with a
heightened sense of precaution for interactions that may expose officers to symptoms associated with COVID-19. Officers assigned to the communications desk have been instructed to ask a series of questions pertaining to potential COVID-19 exposure. Officers and EMS personnel have been trained on how to handle responses to individuals experiencing symptoms of the flu and/or COVID-19. - Out of an abundance of caution for first responders, in all cases, callers must meet officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians at the front door of their residences to help limit time in confined spaces. By adhering to these common sense precautions, you are helping us, help you in time of need throughout the duration of this pandemic.
- Gov. Murphy has announced a two-month extension for all vehicle registrations, drivers licenses and vehicle inspections: see the order at www.state.nj.us/mvc/press/archives/2020/031320.htm.
- Be aware of the potential for phone and door-to-door scams by those posing as representatives from the CDC or any government agency. Contact the Lyndhurst Police Department immediately if you observe or experience any attempts at these scams.
Safeguarding residents is the township’s top priority. As the township has stressed in earlier releases, please remain patient with one another, continue to be prepared and not scared. It is also recommended that residents and visitors practice social distancing, which means staying 3 to 6 feet away from people as much as possible, as well as practicing common-sense personal-hygiene techniques.
We understand that these changes and closures present an inconvenience to us all. However, these
proactive measures have been put in place to ensure that everyone remains safe and prepared. As a tight knit community, we have always had a reputation of taking care of one another and remaining resilient. These short-term changes should successfully result in good health and well-being for all.
We thank the community for their patience, understanding and continued cooperation during these times. Continue to check the Lyndhurst township website and continue to monitor its OEM app and official public safety agency’s social media outlets for the latest news and updates regarding this topic.
Any questions or concerns may be directed to the Emergency Management Staff by email at specialoperations@lyndhurstpolice.com or by calling (201) 939-2900, ext. 2603.
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Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, a place where he has served on and off since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on Facebook Live, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to West Hudson to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.