TOMS RIVER – Due to the current Coronavirus concern and its effects on the elderly, the Toms River Senior Center will be closed to the public effective 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2020, until further notice.
“We are taking this proactive measure to reduce the risk that COVID-19 spreads among our senior citizens, who we know are at greater risk if exposed to the new coronavirus,” said Mayor Maurice B. Hill. “Acting out of an abundance of caution I think it’s the right thing for us to take the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations and try to limit exposure in places where there is going to be large groups of people.”
This is a precautionary decision to limit the spread of the virus and protect the health of residents.
“Even though there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ocean County yet, the safety and well-being of our seniors is paramount, and all of the expert guidance tells us that it’s better to act early and take precautions,” said Mayor Hill.
Staff will still be reporting during normal business hours and can be contacted via telephone at 732-341-1000, ext. 8461 or ext. 8460 for any assistance. Outreach services will be handled by phone. This includes issues regarding senior benefits.
All activities and trips are cancelled. Refunds will be issued. Bus transportation will be limited to doctor appointments and food shopping. Senior Center drivers can pick up medications and groceries. All homebound seniors needing help with placing online grocery orders, please contact the Senior Center for assistance.
Existing scheduled tax appointments will still be honored, but clients will only be admitted into the Senior Center at the time of their appointment.
According to the New Jersey Department of Health, the best thing residents can do is to stay home if you are sick. The Toms River Office of Emergency Management also advises residents to follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol based sanitizer.
- Avoid touching high-touch/traffic surfaces in public places.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth, eyes and face.
- Clean and disinfect your car and household items.
- Avoid all non-essential travel.
- Sanitize your cell phone and all personal items.
The situation will be re-evaluated in two weeks by Township officials and the Toms River Office of Emergency Management.
The Senior Center will be fully cleaned and sanitized before reopening.
Toms River Township continues to closely monitor the latest developments regarding the Coronavirus to keep the public informed. The Mayor and Township Council are keeping in regular contact with Governor Murphy’s office and the New Jersey Department of Health to receive regular updates. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Toms River.
We encourage everyone to follow updates at www.tomsrivertownship.com
