Mayor's Message - March 21, 2020

It is with great sadness that I inform you that Lincoln Park has confirmed the first cases of COVID-19 within our town.  I was just advised this afternoon that we now have 2 positive cases in our borough.  This information should come as no surprise as we have been expecting and preparing for this to eventually occur.  The fact that testing is becoming more available, in addition to the natural spread of the virus has led us to this point in time and will likely result in more positive cases in the coming days.

There is no need to panic or overreact.  Our Health Department is currently in contact with the infected individuals in order to come up with a comprehensive list of who may have come in contact with these persons.  If it is suspected that any of our residents have come in to contact with either of these, or any future cases, you will be contacted by a health official.  Please do not call town hall to find out if you know these people, or live near them…that is information that the town is not allowed to provide.  Once again, if it is suspected that you have had contact with a known case of the corona virus, you will be contacted by a health official from Lincoln Park or the State of New Jersey as we are following the guidelines put in place by the New Jersey Department of Health.

If you think that you have been exposed to anyone with the corona virus, or are exhibiting any flu like symptoms, please self-isolate yourself and call your doctor immediately.   Your doctor will discuss your symptoms with you and recommend the best course of treatment regarding isolation, testing or anything else which they deem appropriate as your health care professional.

It is now as important as ever to exercise proper social distancing practices and to be vigilant in performing the hygiene recommendations of the CDC, NJ Department of Health and local officials.

Please keep in mind that this virus and the resultant disease it causes can infect anyone.  The elderly and those with underlying health issues are at a greater risk of experiencing more serious symptoms, however, no one is immune from contracting the virus and then passing it on to others.  I am asking that all residents, especially the young people in town who may incorrectly believe they cannot be seriously affected, to take the appropriate actions to protect yourselves, your family and everyone in our community.  Please visit borough website, www.bolp.org, to see then many ways that you can help slow the spread of this disease.   There are also links for a tremendous amount of information that you may find helpful.

On another note, the equipment that our first responders use for their personal protection has very specific functions they are intended for.   In order to ensure the functionality for the purpose which the equipment is designed for is maintained, there may be times when our first responders will arrive to a call for service wearing a protective suit or respirator.  THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE AREA OR ANY PERSON IS INFECTED.  Some of the disinfectant cleaning solutions for the virus have the potential to damage the fire/heat retardant properties which the equipment is designed for.  The officers on scene will determine what the most appropriate personal protective equipment is for each response in order to ensure that our first responders are properly protected and gear is not damaged. 

Once again, I am very sorry that I have to give this news to you.  It is meant solely to keep you informed and show the need to continue the good practices that we have been recommending for several weeks. 
Please stay safe and healthy!

Mayor David A. Runfeldt

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