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Author: City of Linden

Lifting Spirits in Time of Crisis

Not knowing how or when this pandemic will end has affected our world economically, physically and mentally. As your Mayor, it is wonderful to see the beautiful rainbow pictures posted by so many Linden families. Your beautiful pictures continue to lift my spirit as we fight this invisible enemy together. Thank you for making Linden a lot more colorful. In times of crisis, it is comforting to know we can rely on each other. We are Linden Strong and together we will win the battle against COVID-19.

Thank you,

Mayor Derek Armstead

Linden Board of Education Revised Meeting Notice

The Regular Meeting of the Linden Board of Education scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2020, has been changed from 7:00 p.m. at Linden High School to 4:30 p.m. at the Administration Building Conference Room, 2 E. Gibbons Street, Linden, NJ. 

THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD VIA an online medium platform. The Public can view the meeting remotely by going to the Linden Public Schools website at www.linden.k12.nj.us  During the PUBLIC COMMENT portion of the meeting, the Public can call into the meeting with the following number and PIN with any questions or comments as follows: 

1 347-378-3296  PIN 559 187 861#.

(Action shall be taken).

“The Board reserves the right to go into Executive Session during this meeting.”

– Kathleen A. Gaylord, Business Administrator, Board Secretary

                                                                             

Managing the Fear of Coronavirus

Due to reports of Coronavirus cases in the U.S., many people are expressing fear and anxiety about this potentially serious illness. While it is understandable to worry about the health and safety of ourselves and out loved ones, it is important to manage our anxiety. Few make good decisions based on fear, and the 24/7 media coverage- much of it gloomy- often obscures reality and adds to a sense of panic. Taking care of your emotions, especially during times of higher stress and anxiety, is a good first step to protecting yourself and those you love.

Common Reactions

  • Fear and anxiety- about you or someone you know contracting the virus; thinking over and over about the virus spreading.
  • Irritability – becoming easily angry or annoyed, or feeling “on edge”.
  • Physical reactions-headaches, upset stomach, or muscle tension.
  • Difficulty concentrating-being preoccupied with thoughts related to the virus.
  • Insomnia- difficulty sleeping due to anxiety and worrying.
  • Information overload- repeatedly monitoring media and website for the latest news on the virus.

Self-Care/Coping with the Stress Caused by a Health Crisis

  • Maintain perspective and remind yourself of the facts – how real this threat to me is right now?
  • Try to follow as many routine activities as possible, as this enhances comfort and predictability.
  • Talk with friends, family, coworkers or a counselor about your feelings and concerns.
  • Engage in some form of exercise daily; this is very effective at reducing stress.
  • Limit your intake of news related to the virus.
  • Do things you enjoy. Part of taking care of yourself is making time to let go and engage in positive activities; this helps give your mind a break from worry and helps maintain balance.
  • Relax; use deep breathing, meditation, prayer or other relaxation techniques that work for you.
  • Call the EAP for confidential assistance with many problems, including coping with health fears.
  • Focus on things you have control over by creating an emergency plan, so you and your family will know what to do in a crisis; American Red Cross- how to make an emergency plan, has simple steps you can take to create a plan or check out Creating an Emergency Plan for Coronavirus.

Although Coronavirus is a health issue that is being taken very seriously by public health authorities worldwide, do not let your worry about this virus control your life. For more information on Coronavirus, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Here is helpful information from the CDC on personal preparedness.

Managing the Fear of Coronavirus

Due to reports of Coronavirus cases in the U.S., many people are expressing fear and anxiety about this potentially serious illness. While it is understandable to worry about the health and safety of ourselves and out loved ones, it is important to manage our anxiety. Few make good decisions based on fear, and the 24/7 media coverage – much of it gloomy – often obscures reality and adds to a sense of panic. Taking care of your emotions, especially during times of higher stress and anxiety, is a good first step to protecting yourself. Please read this attachment for more information.

Message from Mayor Armstead RE COVID-19 Data Transmission

In these challenging and difficult times, as Mayor of the great City of Linden, I want to assure you that all information concerning COVID-19 is presented to you in a timely and transparent manner. My administration will continue to do all things necessary to protect our residents by providing the services that our government provides.

However, even in this pandemic, my administration is obligated to comply with certain laws that protect patient information and what can be shared publicly. The HIPAA Privacy Rule protects the privacy of patients’ health information but is balanced to ensure that appropriate uses and disclosures of the information still may be made when necessary to protect a patient, to protect the nation’s public health, and for other critical purposes.

Consequently, HIPAA still requires us to protect a patient’s privacy, however, through the Linden Board of Health, and our Health Officers, if certain information is received about a resident who tests positive for COVID-19, they are required to follow certain protocols in notifying individuals that may have had CLOSE contact with that person, and are able to take other steps to minimize the spread of the virus.

The following are trusted resources for COVID-19 information.