Tomorrow will mark one year since Governor Murphy implemented the statewide Stay-At-Home Order and mandated all “non-essential” businesses to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thursday marked one year since New Jersey schools closed and transitioned to completely remote learning. 

Earlier this week, the NJ Department of Education reported that 142 schools are currently open for all in-person instruction, 534 are open for hybrid instruction, 37 districts are using some combination of in person, hybrid, or all-remote learning, and 98 are still full-time remote learning. I am so grateful that our Superintendents, Principals, Boards of Education, educators, parents, and other stakeholders continue to work diligently to come to the right decisions for Mendham Township. This kind of partnership is what has made our school districts among the very best in the entire country. 

As temperatures begin to climb, vaccination rates increase, and restrictions on NJ businesses continue to decrease, I am hopeful that we are on our way back. 

Yesterday, restaurants, indoor amusement and recreation venues, and personal care businesses were able to raise their indoor capacities to 50%. This past Monday, vaccine eligibility was expanded to include public and local transportation workers, public safety workers, migrant farm workers, members of tribal communities, and individuals experiencing homelessness and those living in shelters. 

This past week, the NJ Department of Health launched an effort towards vaccinating individuals 65 years and older. Since the last week of February, the percentage of individuals 75 years and older who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine increased from 33% to 58%. 

The NJ Vaccination Call Center is now fully operational. They have had 36,000 Individuals register for vaccinations, and they have made 14,000 appointments. Any senior can call the support line at 1-856-249-7007 to reschedule appointments, register or schedule a vaccine. 

Have a good weekend, and if you are able - try to get outside! 

For some inspiration, visit: https://www.hikemendham.org. 

Sarah Neibart

Mayor, Mendham Township