For
Immediate Release:
March 13, 2020
Monmouth
County takes action
in response to
COVID-19
Beginning Saturday, March 14, no public access to
County buildings
FREEHOLD, NJ –The Monmouth County Board of Chosen
Freeholders and County officials are taking action out of an abundance of
caution to protect and keep residents safe from the spread of the Coronavirus
(COVID-19).
“Our number one priority is the safety of our residents and so, at this time, we have
decided to take immediate actions to prevent the COVID-19 in Monmouth County
libraries, parks and public buildings,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A.
Arnone. “In attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19, Monmouth County will be
suspending all public building access and programs beginning tomorrow.”
“We want to remind residents to remain calm and make sure you have the
most accurate and up to date information, which you can get from the Centers of
Disease Control or the New Jersey Department of Health. Please help us spread
facts, not fear,” added Freeholder Director Arnone.
Beginning Saturday, March 14, and through Sunday, March 22, all Monmouth
County Library branches and the Monmouth County Park System buildings will be
closed to the public. County golf courses and park spaces will remain open.
Beginning Monday, March 16, public access will be
restricted from all buildings with the exception of the Monmouth County
Division of Social Services (MCDSS). For MCDSS, protections will be put into
place to ensure that there is no physical contact between Monmouth County
employees and the residents seeking services.
All Monmouth County employees will report to work
and be available to residents by phone and by email.
“We understand that the COVID-19 situation is
unsettling for some and want to arm our residents with the information they
need,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Monmouth
County Department of Health and Human Services. “There is a Monmouth County
Health Department’s phone bank will open Monday at 9 a.m. for residents who
have any questions and concerns about COVID-19, or need to talk to someone
about how this situation is affecting them.”
Crisis Counselors from the Monmouth County Division
of Behavioral Health are available through the phone banks to help residents who
may be experiencing stress or anxiety due to the evolving situation. The counselors will provide County residents
with guidance to help them through this challenging time.
The Monmouth County Health Department phone bank will
open Monday, March 16 at 9 a.m. and can be reached at 732-845-2070.
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