June 5, 2020 MESSAGE FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL - CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Good afternoon today is June 5th, 2020. I am mayor Paul Medany on behalf of Deptford Township Council we’re back with our regular update.
This is a most challenging time we’re living in and now more than ever we need fact based communication.
We have to mention this because there are internet based sites that promote false statistics and facts, and some could be harmful to you. If you have a comment or question on anything related to COVID-19 or related to Township matters, you can always call or mail us directly.
In Deptford Township, and we have to thank our residents again, we have done an excellent job of controlling our pandemic cases of COVID-19.
As of today, we have 513 cases, but around 400 are still in our long term care facilities. Gloucester County’s numbers are at 2,306, New Jersey’s numbers are 163,336.
As always, our Deptford website is there for service requests and information www.deptford-nj.org please visit us for other things and for information.
Let’s continue to exercise caution. We made it this far and we are going to get businesses, playgrounds and events open very soon, keep looking for the dates to open. Our businesses are suffering and anything you can do to support them and therefore support their employees is greatly appreciated.
As always call our 5th District Legislators and the Governor’s office to give them your opinion on what you think should be the course moving forward, tell them what you think. The 5th District phone number is 856-541-1251 and the Governor’s office phone number is 609-292-6000 or you can email them.
The first Amendment to the Constitution:
“Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” We just thought that always bears mentioning, reminding folks of the constitution.
We urge you to stay safe during large gatherings. The Governor’s guidelines are still in place limiting gatherings to 25 people at this moment, as of today’s video.
The virus did not leave, it is still here so wear a mask. Don’t shake hands, don’t talk close to people, remember viruses spread through droplets dispersed by talking like I’m doing now and folks in this room are at least six feet away, sneezing, and coughing. So, always cover your mouth, these are the common sense approaches from keeping it from spreading.
Just like all communicable diseases we have to stay aware and use a common sense approach to staying safe and protecting other people.
Crisis situations demand short and long term decisions, and some are not popular.
Leaders must not be afraid to make decisions and they must be based on public safety, public health and then we examine other factors. We can assure you that every decision here is based on facts, the need for it, and what it takes to keep us moving forward.
If you noticed around town, we have put out “Thank you Deptford” signs.
We are so proud of the community spirit and cooperation during this crisis and in everything we do, including our School and Fire District officials but most importantly you, our residents, neighbors and friends. These signs proclaim and promote that Deptford spirit.
By now we are thinking that everyone is familiar with our First Flight in America story and the history making event of Jean Pierre Blanchard. Now this event in history provides us the story of courage, determination and working towards a common goal.
And, the reason I’m mentioning this is we have some sad news.
The Clement Oak Tree mentioned in historical records and also the identifying mark of the First Flight landing has been struck by lightning during one of these storms this week. It has finally met its fate after over 300 years of living here in Deptford.
The tree was and always will be a part of Deptford’s history and we are making plans to preserve the trunk and parts of branches and other things.
If you’re interested in helping with this or have ideas let us know. If enough can be saved, we are thinking of a sculpture of the first flight carved from a part of the trunk if that can be salvaged.
Please stay safe. We need to stay together more than ever and stay united for the common good. We need to conquer this societal crisis and pandemic at the same time.
We will see you soon, thank you.
Stay informed:
Visit the Center for Disease Control website at https://www.cdc.gov
Visit the State Department of Health website at https://www.nj.gov/health/
Contact the NJ Coronavirus Center hotline at 800-222-1222
Sincerely,
Mayor Paul Medany & Township Council