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.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County has risen to 2449 and increase of 189 cases since last report from Tuesday, April 7.  (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.

LIVINGSTON — It is a bit difficult at the moment for the Easter bunny to get everywhere, so Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney wanted to help out. At Saint Barnabas Medical Center, nurses, doctors and other health care workers have been selflessly prioritizing their patients’ health for weeks, and Rooney wanted to make sure they knew just how much they were appreciated this Easter Sunday.

On Monday, Rooney delivered 20 Easter baskets to the corporate office across the street from the hospital in Livingston – one for each COVID-19 unit at the hospital. The baskets will be delivered Easter morning and are filled with breakfast and protein bars, and of course Easter chocolates.

“While most of us stay safely at home to help prevent the spread of the virus, the pandemic has completely uprooted medical workers’ personal lives,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “We can’t possibly tell them how important what they do means to us. We can only make simple gestures of thanks.”

Hospital workers at St. Barnabas have been sharing glimpses into their new normal on social media, showing professionalism and compassion, which inspired the assemblyman.

PARSIPPANY — The Becchi for Congress campaign is excited to announce that U.S. Marine Veteran Major Nick De Gregorio has joined the campaign to serve as the Chairman of Veterans For Becchi. The committee was formed with the joint goal of reaching out to local military personnel and families to learn and understand firsthand the problems and concerns our Veterans face, as well as, organizing support to elect Rosemary Becchi to Congress.

“We are honored that U.S. Marine Major Nick De Gregorio will serve as the Chairman of Veterans for Becchi. In just a short time, I have learned a great deal from Nick and his fellow Veterans in the 11th District and I am greatly appreciative of his support for my campaign. There is no question we have a lot of work to do to ensure Veterans have the access they have been promised to healthcare, education, and jobs. Taking care of those who put their lives on the line for our safety and freedom isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a priority I will uphold in Congress,” said Rosemary Becchi.

“Rosemary Becchi is the voice our Veterans need in Washington,” said De Gregorio. “Veterans are not a mere campaign talking point to her. From the first moment I spoke with Rosemary, it was clear that her mission is to find solutions to the chronic problems our Veterans face every day. As a nine-year Marine Corps infantry officer with deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, I know Rosemary is the person I want fighting for Veterans. Her intelligence, tenacity, and experience is sorely needed. It is an honor to work on behalf of Rosemary and the Becchi for Congress campaign.”

If you are a Veteran looking for more information about Rosemary Becchi or would like to join Veterans for Becchi, click here or email [email protected]