Linden Residents – please read this important release regarding extra benefits for those who receive assistance through the NJ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP).
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.
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.
El CONDADO DE UNION ABRE EL PRIMER CENTRO EN EL ESTADO PARA HACER LAS PRUEBAS DEL COVID-19, CONDUCIENDO SU AUTO (DRIVE IN) EL LUNES EN KEAN UNIVERSITY
CONDADO DE UNION, NJ—Comenzando el lunes, la Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union, en conjunto con sus asociados gubernamentales, educacionales y de cuidado de salud, abrirán el primer centro en el estado de New Jersey con facilidad de pasar sin desmontarse de su auto para ser examinado para el COVID-19 virus en Kean University.
Por favor tome nota que los exámenes son solamente por previa cita y usted sebre ser inscrito a través de su doctor, o su proveedor de salud. Los residentes del Condado de Union, y el personal que responde a las emergencias del Condado de Union, quienes han sido notificados por su doctor o proveedor de salud que sean examinados para el COVID-19, deben tener una receta y haber sido inscrito por su doctor y tener una cita para poder pasar por el centro. Esta es la única forma de poder ser examinado. Para la seguridad y salud de los voluntarios en el centro, no se permitirán pacientes que no vengan en autos entrar al campo Universitario, aunque tengan una receta y cita. Si no tiene transporte, por favor discuta con su doctor antes de solicitar la cita.
También si usted piensa que puede tener los síntomas del COVID-19, hay una herramienta de autoevaluación que ha sido desarrollada por el Estado de of New Jersey. Esta herramienta puede asistirle en determinar que acciones puede tomar para proteger a su familia y a usted mismo, para saber si necesita ser examinado para el virus COVID-19, y puede encontrarla en https://self.covid19.nj.gov
Este centro del Condado de Union para ser examinado para el COVID 19 por medio de su carro es ejecutado por el Condado en conjunto con el Overlook Medical Center (Atlantic Health System) en Summit, el Trinitas Regional Medical Center en Elizabeth, y Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJ Barnabas Health) en Rahway. La Junta de Legisladores, el Administrador del Condado y su personal ha trabajado con los Senadores del Estado Joseph P. Cryan, Nicholas P. Scutari, Gobernador Phil Murphy, Kean University, y el Departamento de Salud del Estado de New Jersey.
UNION COUNTY, NJ – Beginning Monday, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in conjunction with governmental, educational and healthcare partners, will open the state’s first County-run, drive-through facility for testing of the COVID-19 virus at Kean University. For the full press release, please download or read the attachment.
Please be advised that as of March 17, 2020, Fire Prevention as well as all of the Fire Houses are closed to the public. Anyone who needs applications from Fire Prevention can download them. Once the forms are filled out, they can either be mailed or dropped into the bin that will be outside Fire Prevention entrance during regular business hours Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us.
Dear Tax Payers & Public,
Please note that as of Wednesday March 18, 2020, City Hall will be closed to the public. In an effort to make this change more of an easy transition, there will be a drop off box at the Police Department for checks. Please bring an envelope clearly marked “Tax Collector”. If you do not have one, there will be some available. Please seal and place in the slot on the left of the desk. These will be picked up the next morning and processed as such. I would appreciate no cash being left, as we will be unable to present a receipt for you at the time of payment. Online payments are accepted here. Click here to be taken to the Tax Collector’s page.
Sincerely,
Linden Residents – please watch my important announcement regarding a confirmed Coronavirus case in Linden. The Board of Health and the Mayor’s Office are the direct points of contact for all Coronavirus related updates. All official information about the Coronavirus will continue to be disseminated through the Mayor’s office. – Mayor Derek Armstead
Watch this important and informative video about the new recycling structure in the City of Linden.
Dear Linden Residents:
We know you are concerned about the coronavirus (COVID-19). As your Mayor, I want you to know that your safety is our top priority. For the safety of our residents, I have met with City Department heads, Police and Fire Departments, and the Linden School District leaders to make sure protocols for all are in place. To date, the following have been put in place:
We are monitoring this situation and every day I am on a conference call with the County Manager, who speaks with the Governor, his staff and the State Dept of Health prior to the conference call with the county Mayors. Should anything new arise I will be sure to update you. Please don’t hesitate, should you have questions or concerns to call our Linden Department of Health at 908-474-8420. You can also call NJ Department of Health hotline at 1-800-222-1222 to ask questions about the Novel Coronavirus.
You can also get up to date information on the New Jersey Department of Health and the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention websites.
Please remember the Coronavirus spreads through contact with respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. You should be using the same prevention methods as you would to avoid a common cold or the flu. The best ways to protect yourself include:
Because it is still cold and flu season, doctors’ offices and urgent care centers continue to see a significant number of patients with symptoms like fever, cough and body aches. Right now, if you’re feeling ill, it is still much more likely to be a cold or the flu rather than the coronavirus. As with the flu, most people who get coronavirus only experience mild viral symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle pain or weakness, and fatigue, and will experience a complete recovery.
The Centers for Disease Control says those infected with the virus may experience fever, cough, and shortness of breath within two to 14 days of exposure. Residents who are concerned they’ve contracted the virus, should self-quarantine and immediately call their family physician, should your doctor not be able to be reached please call the NJ Coronavirus hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Stay safe,