BERKELEY – There used to be times in the day when Route 9 took forever because the traffic was so bad. Now, sometimes it is so empty that it looks like a movie trailer for some kind of science fiction film when the voiceover is about to say “In a world where people have to stay home…”
This has caused a lot of uncertainty for some, especially people wondering when their next pay check will come. Here is a summary of some of the information you might need to know if you live in Berkeley.
Town Buildings Closed
In order to keep township employees safe, municipal buildings are closed to the public until further notice.
The township posted a guide to how to conduct business online or over the phone. The “Skip the Trip” flyer can be found at twp.berkeley.nj.us/news_detail_T6_R6.php
If you need to file a police report, you will be asked to do so online at berkeley.policetocitizen.com/Home. This is for non-emergency incidents only. Emergencies are still handled by 9-1-1.
Food Kits Available
Berkeley has partnered with Fulfill to provide emergency food kits to households that are suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With jobs closing down throughout the region, more families than ever are in need of food donations. That’s why Fulfill (formerly known as the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties) has been contacting local municipalities to help get food out to people.
At a recent Toms River Township Council meeting, Fulfill’s CEO, Kim Guadagno, said that they delivered 19,000 hot meals in two weeks. Last year, during this same time, they delivered zero.
“This is just the beginning,” she said.
In Berkeley, the crisis food kits will be delivered in three locations: Holiday City at Berkeley Clubhouse parking lot, the Berkeley Recreation Center located on Route 9 in Bayville and the Citta Moffitt real estate office in South Seaside Park.
Each kit provides a family of four with basic groceries. Interested families should call Debbi or Mark at Berkeley Recreation by phone at (732) 269-4456 or by email at mdykoff@twp.berkeley.nj.us. When you call or email, please provide your name, address, phone and email address for follow up.
“I have seen firsthand how many families struggle from food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified this problem because so many more in our community are struggling. We are here to help in any way we can to help lighten the load for our families and seniors,” said Mayor Carmen Amato, who served on the board at the People’s Pantry. “I would like to thank CEO Kim Guadagno and Fulfill for providing the food, as well as our local residents and restaurants for making donations.”
The pick-up sites will be practicing social distancing, township officials said. Distribution will be drive-through. Residents will remain in their vehicle with the windows closed, and will pop open the trunk so that volunteers can put the kits in the trunk. The volunteers handing out the packages will be given personal protective equipment.
If someone doesn’t have transportation, a delivery can be arranged. The volunteer bringing the food will leave it at the front door of the home to minimize contact.
How To Help
If you are able to donate to Fulfill during this trying time, visit fulfillnj.org/donate/.
Food banks can buy food at a much lower rate than the general public, therefore cash donations go a lot farther than food donations. For example, on Fulfill’s website, it states that $50 can provide 150 meals.
Staying Safe
The township put out a list of ways to stay safe from the coronavirus. They are:
- Avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people. If you do go out, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Staying home when you are sick and avoiding contact with persons in poor health.
- Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then disposing of the tissue.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
For more information on COVID-19, visit: ochd.org or call the New Jersey hotline available around the clock for questions at 1-800-222-1222.
The Ocean County Health Department has also set up a hotline number for residents’ questions regarding the coronavirus. The number is 732-341-9700 ext. 7411.
Additional information can be found at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
The New Jersey Department of Health website is state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml
