By TOM ARNONE
As the world and our country are dealing with the severity of COVID-19, I want to inform your readership that the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders is in constant communication and diligently working with Federal, State and local officials to help eradicate this health pandemic.
Over the past several weeks in the county, myself, Deputy Director Sue Kiley and our fellow freeholders have spent the majority of our time meeting with county administration, Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden, municipal officials and both the Monmouth County Health Department and Monmouth County Regional Health Commission.
Additionally, the freeholders are routinely communicating with hospitals and have connected with the small business community to offer support during this difficult time. If you missed my previous letter, I would like to share the website established by the state to provide guidance for businesses impacted by COVID-19. That website is cv.business.nj.gov.
Over the course of this week, the freeholders announced that all ferry service to the Belford Ferry Terminal has been suspended, as per the NY Waterway. More information can be found on nywaterway.com.
Monmouth County Parks remain open, but with no access to any buildings or modern restrooms. Port-a-Johns are provided at most locations. Golf courses and playgrounds are closed and all programs are cancelled through at least April 3. As always, park rangers are on duty to provide assistance as needed.
The freeholders have postponed and canceled several events and programs. We are constantly updating the list of county events and programs affected by the COVID-19 situation on www.visitmonmouth.com.
Please understand that we are trying to disseminate information in a timely manner. As the hours pass, the number cases and state regulations are regularly changing. Every measure that we take is done with the best interests of our residents and communities. The county will release information as soon as it is readily available.
The Board of Chosen Freeholders cannot stress the importance of receiving accurate, up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 from credible sources like the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), the New Jersey Department of Health (www.nj.gov/health) and the County website (www.visitmnomouth.com).
The Board of Chosen Freeholders and Sheriff Shaun Golden will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the residents of Monmouth County and I encourage everyone to do their part by practicing social distancing, staying home when sick and correctly covering their coughs and sneezes.
We will get through this together.
Tom Arnone is the director of the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders.
