For
Immediate Release:
April 27, 2020
Freeholders
provide updates on COVID-19 situation; extend public access restrictions
through May 15
FREEHOLD, NJ – On behalf of the Board of Chosen
Freeholders, Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and
Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley held a the press conference today to
provide updates on the COVID-19 situation in the County.
Freeholder Director Arnone talked about the $108
million Monmouth County received in federal stimulus money through the CARES (Coronavirus
Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act.
“We are in the process of working with the eight other
counties, who were given federal stimulus money, to come up with guidelines and
protocols for the stimulus money. We will be developing timelines and guidance
for the municipalities to submit for reimbursement,” said Freeholder Director
Arnone. “County Administrator Teri O’Connor and I will be in contact with the
administrators and mayors of each town to communicate these guidelines and
protocols.”
Freeholder Director Arnone provided an update about
the success of the Take Out in Monmouth initiative, which encourages residents
to order from local businesses that are open. Originally including restaurants
and then wineries, breweries and garden centers, the Take Out in Monmouth
website, www.takeoutinmonmouth.com, now includes a list of vendors that
registered for the now-postponed Made in Monmouth event.
“It's encouraging to see the amount of website views
greatly increase as this initiative progresses," said Freeholder Director
Arnone. "Monmouth County residents are showing their support for these
small businesses and their employees during this difficult time."
More than 13,000 individuals have visited the Take
Out in Monmouth website, with more than 26,000 total views since it went live
in early April.
The Freeholders also announced that all public
access restrictions to County buildings and programs have been extended through
Friday, May 15. This includes all Monmouth County Library branches and the
Monmouth County Park System buildings.
“I want to reiterate that I do not
support the indefinite closure of all county parks in New Jersey,” said Freeholder Director
Arnone. “The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholds understands how
important these parks and open spaces are for our residents’ mental health and
wellness and we are
going to be increasing our efforts to open the parks and golf courses.”
Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley spoke about
Monmouth ACTS, which is working to provide recommendations for improving
identified issues and are pinpointing how COVID-19 is impacting County
residents while implementing the necessary response.
“As human service needs expand due to the
unpredictability of the virus, Monmouth ACTS has streamlined communications at
monmouthacts.org/covid19,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley. “One example
of an identified need is behavioral health and the County’s Division of
Behavioral Health and the Mental Health Association (MHA) of Monmouth County
have partnered and enlisted the services of more than 60 volunteer, licensed
counselors to provide behavioral health support to residents in need.”
The County COVID-19 hotline will serve as the point
of contact and provide initial support. Callers in need of continued support
would then be connected to the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County.
Residents will be provided up to six telephone
support sessions. If additional behavioral health services are needed beyond
the six calls, the person would then be connected to a behavioral health agency
for continued care.
Currently, there are two bilingual therapists and
recruitment for volunteers is ongoing.
“There is a plan for targeted outreach to long-term
care facilities as there may be a potential need for behavioral health support
due to increased isolation in these facilities,” added Freeholder Deputy
Director Kiley. “Residents, who are experiencing feelings of uncertainty, fear
or worry related to COVID-19 should call 732-845-2070 for support.”
For more Monmouth County news updates and information
regarding the COVID-19 situation, go to www.visitmonmouth.com.
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