MORRIS COUNTY — In a news cycle filled with reports about the coronavirus-related illness and hospitalizations, information about two infants surrendered at Safe Haven sites in the state was easily overlooked.

“This is good news, that two little babies have been saved in the midst of all of this stress and suffering,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco, a long-time advocate for the Safe Haven program and sponsor of a law requiring public schools to provide instruction on the “New Jersey Safe Haven Infant Protection Act.”

“It is difficult to imagine the stress and despair the mothers of these babies were under,” Bucco said. “It is bittersweet. Thankfully, they found the strength to help themselves and their children and utilized a Safe Haven to legally and anonymously surrender the infants.”

In August 2000, the Safe Haven Infant Protection Act, sponsored by Bucco’s father, then-Senator Tony Bucco, became law.

Introduced to address a growing trend in infant abandonments, the Safe Haven act allows a distressed parent who is unable or unwilling to care for an infant to give up custody of a baby who is less than 30 days old, safely, legally and anonymously at a hospital emergency room or police station in the state.

Since Safe Haven was enacted, 76 babies have been rescued, according to the State’s New Jersey Safe Haven web site.

“The Safe Haven program is a life-saver,” Bucco said. “Life is precious, and parents should know that if they feel they can’t keep an infant safe, there are options.”

Every city and town in New Jersey has at least one Safe Haven site, Bucco noted.

MORRIS COUNTY — Amid reports that the state’s long-term care facilities are failing to properly notify staff, caregivers and families of COVID-19 outbreaks, Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney is calling on the Department of Health to force compliance with their updated directives and state law.

Under state law that went into effect in February, nursing homes must have outbreak response plans that include policies regarding notifying residents, staff and families. The law was in response to an adenovirus outbreak at a Wanaque nursing home that killed 11 children.

“It is heartbreaking to see loved ones in despair because the facilities are not answering the phone lines or communicating on how their family member is currently doing,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “The lack of transparency at many of these facilities has to be fixed immediately to protect the staff, the residents and their family who are suffering in silence.”

Last week, the health department issued directives requiring nursing homes to notify their residents and staff, along with residents’ families, about cases of coronavirus within their facilities. The facilities were to comply with the orders by Monday. It is not clear how many facilities did not meet the deadline.

“Clear communication is critical right now. These are life and death situations. Nearly half of those who died are 80 or older,” explained Rooney.

At the governor’s daily coronavirus briefing Thursday, it was reported that 262 of the state’s 375 long-term care facilities have at least one positive case of COVID-19. There are 3,388 residents in long-term care, assisted living and dementia care facilities testing positive. Twenty of the new 198 coronavirus-related deaths Thursday were residents of these facilities.

The state’s three veteran homes have also been affected by the coronavirus, particularly the facility in Paramus, which reported 40 cases. In total, veteran homes have 58 positive cases and 13 deaths.

“Our veterans, our nursing home residents, health care workers and their loved ones deserve better,” said Rooney. “Family can’t visit their loved ones right now and some facilities are cutting off other forms of contact. It’s unacceptable.”

The health department said residents of nursing homes and staff members must be notified in person and in writing of a coronavirus outbreak. Families or whoever is designated responsible for the resident must be reached by telephone, email or another form of communication within 24 hours and in writing within three days. Notification must happen when a resident or staff member has a confirmed case or is under investigation for coronavirus.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County has risen to 2599 and increase of 150 cases since last report from Wednesday, April 8.  (Click here to read previous article.)

The figures reflect open COVID-19 positive cases as of the date and time indicated, not cases which have been closed, some cases which may be pending, or have yet to be entered into the system.

The County of Morris, in partnership with Atlantic Health, is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the County College of Morris, Dover Chester Road, Randolph, NJ 07869, in parking lot 1. Testing is scheduled beginning 9:00 a.m. and is for Morris County residents only. There is no fee for the test.

To sign up for an appointment online click here for details.

The figures reflect COVID-19 positive cases as of the date and time indicated, some cases which may be pending, or have yet to be entered into the system.

Please note the following limitations and provisos related to the data above:

• COVID-19-related deaths are not included in this data.
• Pursuant to HIPAA, specific identifying health information of persons testing positive or who have passed due to the virus will not be released.
• Data reflects COVID-19 positive cases on dates and times indicated; some cases may be pending and are not yet entered.
• Data may not include cases with incomplete or incorrect street addresses or PO boxes. Such cases require additional investigation by local health officials.
• Figures do not include persons under quarantine/isolation due to exposure and who have not tested positive.
• The numbers, especially higher numbers, do not necessarily reflect community spread in a specific town. Various factors may be related to high numbers, such as increased testing and facilities with high-risk populations.
• This data should not be used to gauge if heightened precautions are needed in specific towns. Social distancing, hand hygiene, and preventive steps must be followed at all times regardless of the number of cases in a municipality.

MORRIS COUNTY — Stop & Shop is instituting store capacity limits, as well as one-way traffic in its grocery aisles at all New York City, Long Island and New Jersey stores. These changes are being made at Stop & Shop’s stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island as well.

Customer counts in each store will be limited to a specific number based upon the square footage of the store. Signs signifying the customer limit will be posted on store doors, and store managers will take regular customer counts to ensure proper capacity is maintained.

One-way grocery aisles also are being implemented to reinforce social distancing and improve traffic flow. Signs are being placed at each grocery aisle along with arrows on the floor directing traffic. Customers also will see signage to remind them to maintain six feet of distance from others in the store.

The one-way traffic and customer capacity limits are just two additional steps Stop & Shop is taking to help keep its associates and customers safe. Other measures include:

• Robust cleaning and sanitizing procedures at each store, including disinfecting high touchpoint areas throughout the day and closing all stores at 8:00 p.m. for additional cleaning and restocking.
• Providing associates with gloves, masks and hand sanitizer.
• Offering disinfecting wipes near the store entrance so customers can wipe down carriages, hand baskets, and ScanIt! devices before use.
• Installing clear plastic guards at registers for added protection.
• Whenever possible, opening only every other register lane to create further distancing between customers at checkout.
• Putting tape on the floors at each register so customers understand the six-foot distance they should keep from others.
• Providing special hours for customers 60+ every day to help reduce crowds and help ensure social distancing for those most vulnerable.
• Posting signs in the store that remind customers to stand at least six feet apart from others, plus other guidelines from the CDC like sneezing into your elbow and to enter the store if feeling sick.
• Modifying line queuing procedures at checkouts during busy periods to allow for proper social distancing.
• Utilizing in-store radio to reinforce social distancing messages.
• Closing deli counter service to help both customers and associates practice safe social distancing. Sliced meats and cheeses are available via our “Grab and Go” program and are sliced fresh daily.
• Suspending our self-service offerings including olive bars, wing bars, salad bars, hot bars, and coffee bars. This also includes pick-your-own bakery items like donuts and muffins as well as self-serve nuts and baking items. Pre-packaged options for all of these items are available in their place.
• Ceasing food sampling programs and all in-store events until further notice.

A neighborhood grocer for more than 100 years, today’s Stop & Shop is refreshed, re energized and inspired, delivering new conveniences for customers. Committed to helping its communities enjoy better food and better lives, Stop & Shop has a longstanding history of giving back to the neighborhoods it serves with a focus on fighting hunger and helping children to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC is an Ahold Delhaize USA Company and employs nearly 60,000 associates and operates over 400 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. To learn more about Stop & Shop click here.