TEANECK, N.J.—There’s a health emergency in the township—with COVID-19 cases reaching 18 confirmed patients on March 15—and all residents have been asked to voluntarily self-quarantine, use social distancing and avoiding large gatherings to “flatten the curve” before diagnoses spike.
“These actions will help save lives and further prevent the spread,” said Teaneck Township Manager Dean Kazinci. “Residents should remain calm and vigilant in their efforts to limit the spread.”
Teaneck Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin called for unity at this time.
“To the people in my town, in our county, in our state, and in our country: We will only get through this together,” said Hameeduddin. “We will only get through this we depend on one another, and we take care of one another, and we look out for one another.”
Among provisions in the Township of Teaneck Executive Order issued by Kazinci:
• Places of public gathering are ordered to cease operations, including: bars, taverns or clubs; gymnasiums or health clubs; day care centers; barber shops, hair or nail salons; and private recreational sports programs.
• All restaurants are permitted to serve take out or delivery orders only.
• Teaneck parks, playgrounds, basketball courts and recreational fields are closed until further notice;
• Houses of worship are strongly encouraged to suspend all services and communal activities;
• Banking and financial institutions are urged to limit the number of customers and practice social distancing;
• All workplaces are encouraged to implement and observe Centers for Disease Control-prescribed social distancing measures.
Teaneck food chains were told to restrict entry to only one member of an individual family and limit the number of patrons in stores. Stop and Shop was told to limit to 50 patrons in the store at one time, while Glatt Express and Cedar Market were told to limit to 25.
Parking rules are suspended until further notice.
How Social Distancing Works
According to the C.D.C., the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs, C.D.C. says.
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick, especially older adults, or those with heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease.
