COVID-19 Updates & Information
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Dear Residents,

    Today’s number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases (19) is higher than we have been reporting in the past few days because it includes results from yesterday and today. In addition, there is now significantly more testing. In fact, Union County’s Kean site tested 753 people yesterday. We certainly never want to see an increase in the number of positive cases, but the downward trend continues so we cannot let up on efforts to keep it going in that direction.
    
It is important that we continue practicing the protocols that will slow the spread of this highly contagious virus. As the medical and public health experts learn more about COVID-19, there is a greater call for wearing masks or face coverings, even in those places or circumstances where it is not mandatory.
   
The NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection has launched “Mask Up!”, a campaign to urge everyone to wear a mask. Wear a mask for yourself. Wear a mask for others.
Today’s COVID-19 Case Updates – (includes May 19 & 20)

  • The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is decreasing but Union County still reports the fifth highest number of cases in the State.                         
  • 452 confirmed cases in Cranford (10 new in community/9 in LTC); 90 fatalities (13 in community/77 in LTC)
  • 15,122 confirmed cases in Union County (219 new); 994 fatalities (22 new)
  • 150,399 confirmed cases in NJ (2,725 new); 10,747 fatalities since March 4 (330 new).
 
Union County Test Site at Kean University

   Testing is available to all Union County residents who wish to be tested, whether or not you are experiencing symptoms. It is free of charge, regardless of whether you have insurance or not.
   It is also available to all first responders and frontline health workers who are asymptomatic and that work in Union County, regardless of their residence. Testing is also available to first responders and frontline health workers who live and work outside the County, but in New Jersey, you must have symptoms and a prescription from a doctor
An appointment is required and all visitors must arrive in cars. No walk-ins are accepted. For more information go to www.ucnj.org.
Thank you to Volunteer Sewers for Making More than 7,500 Masks

Today, Governor Phil Murphy gave a shout out to NJ Sews in Unity for answering the call for personal protective equipment. In two months, volunteer sewers from Cranford and Westfield have made more than 7,500 masks (children and adults), 120 gowns, and close to 600 other items like scrub caps that have gone to area hospitals, rehab and oncology facilities, long term care and senior housing, farm workers and pediatric offices.
  Special thanks to Cranford’s Phyllis Kevitt-Howard for setting up her front porch as a drop off location for finished items and pick up for materials. Anyone interested in sewing, cutting fabric pieces, donating cotton fabric or elastic, please go to the NJ Sews in Unity Facebook page .
Birchwood Park Affordable Housing: Preliminary Applications Available

     If you, a family member or friend is interested in renting an affordable housing apartment in this new residential development submit a  preliminary application  for Birchwood Park by May 28 to be included in the housing lottery. Birchwood Park has set aside 34 one-, two- and three- bedroom rental apartments to help meet the Township’s “fair share” of the court mandated need for affordable housing in New Jersey. Rental rates listed are approximate and subject to state and federal guidelines. Applicants must qualify on the basis of gross annual income. The information is also available here .
    To submit a preliminary application, please visit this website . People can fill it out and mail it in or they can fill it out on their computer, save it as a specific file on the computer, and then email it as an attachment to  Cranford@HousingQuest.com .
Click here  for additional information on Birchwood Park Affordable Housing.
We Are Here to Answer Your Questions.

     We know you have questions during these uncertain times and while we may not always have the answers immediately, we will do our best to get the information you need. The Township Commissioners work closely every day with State and County representatives, our public safety, emergency management and professional staff on best practices for providing municipal services efficiently and safely, developing innovative and effective ways to restart businesses and recreation activities. This work and planning have been ongoing since the onset of the COVID-19 emergency. We are planning so that Cranford is prepared to meet the current and future challenges.

  Thank you for your tremendous cooperation, patience and support.

Mayor Patrick Giblin                                      p-giblin@cranfordnj.org
Deputy Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty     k-prunty@cranfordnj.org
Commissioner Tom Hannen                         t-hannen@cranfordnj.org
Commissioner Jean Maisonneuve             j-maisonneuve@cranfordnj.org
Commissioner Mary O’Connor                   m-oconnor@cranfordnj.org
Administrator Jamie Cryan                           j-cryan@cranfordnj.org
Something Special to Brighten Your Day

     We are so excited to share today’s post because it is pretty special. Yesterday, FLAG of Cranford paid a visit to 94-year old Mary Walsh to thank her for her ongoing and generous support of those in need during these difficult days. She was presented with a shirt, blanket, banner, and a musical tribute from Cranford Police Officer Kelly Reider. Grab a tissue and take a look . Thank you Mary Walsh!