OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Health Department offered assistance to any business that is reopening so they can do it safely.
Gov. Phil Murphy has eased restrictions on some businesses, while others remain closed. Hair salons, summer camps, and pools are a few that have been given the green light, but they were still told to adhere to social distancing and other requirements to make sure that customers and employees stay healthy.
“The Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) is getting plenty of calls from business owners and managers seeking guidance in regards to specific requirements mandated for their business or group,” said Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer. “Everyone wants to comply but it may be a little overwhelming at first because it’s all so new and some are a combination of scenarios.”
One thing that business owners can do is check links on the Health Department’s website at ochd.org. These links go to the state Department of Health COVID-19 Business Information Hub’s reopening timelines, checklists, and information on specific social distancing measures for different activities and operations. There are also links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for advice on risk assessments, guiding principles, reducing spread and maintaining healthy environments. If you can’t find what you need there, try emailing COVID-19@ochd.org.
Residents can also check these links out so they know what to expect when visiting these businesses.
“Remember these protocols are in place for the safety and protection of everyone – not just employees and customers – but also the people they eventually will come in contact with,” Regenye said. “If everyone follows these guidelines we hope that we’ll continue to see a decrease in cases and limit any new spike down the road.”
Experts are still learning about the virus, and as they learn, they update the rules and regulations, he said.
“Once again, the public health community is still writing the so-called “handbook” for COVID-19 and as we learn more we’ll offer more appropriate guidance as we move into the different phases of the epidemic. But right now we just want people to continue to do the right thing and establish and maintain the protocols put in place to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We still encourage people to call the OCHD COVID-19 Information Hotline if they have questions or need guidance. We’ve fielded close to 6,000 calls since March 9 and will continue the service as we progress forward.”
Ocean County Freeholder and liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health, Gerry P. Little, said he was pleased that many businesses will be reopening with outdoor amenities and expects everyone to adhere to the appropriate mitigation requirements to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. “The Ocean County Health Department can offer any business owner, manager or group leader with how to find the guidelines they’ll need to reopen and assist with any issues or concerns they may have getting up and started. We’re here to help; whether it’s assistance for long term care facilities during phase one to businesses in phase two and all the way until we find a vaccine and beyond.”
For more information regarding COVID-19 phase two guidelines please visit the OCHD website at ochd.org. The NJDOH guidance information page for reopening protocols can be found at covid19.nj.gov/pages/reopen.
The OCHD COVID-19 Information Call Hot Line for residents and clinicians with general questions is 732-341-9700 ext. 7411. The NJDOH (NJPIES) hotline is also available for questions around the clock at 1-800-222-1222 or by dialing 2-1-1. Other related sources; for medical COVID-19 questions call 1-800-962-1253 (24/7) or Text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive alerts.
Additional information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/summary.html
