News Flash

City of Asbury Park Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Preparation

3/12/20, Asbury Park, NJ – The City of Asbury Park and our Emergency Management Coordinator have been working diligently with State and County health officials to stay updated on the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and are taking the necessary steps to prepare in the event that a broader outbreak occurs. All efforts are being made to ensure continuity plans are in place so that City services, including Police, Fire and EMS, remain uninterrupted should an outbreak occur in Asbury Park.

“Residents should be assured that we are doing everything we can in preparation of an outbreak of Coronavirus in our community,” said Mayor John Moor, “including making every effort to guarantee our Police, Fire and EMS have the resources they need to ensure everyone’s safety.”

“For our residents who may be unable to obtain government-issued ID cards, we are expediting an Ordinance to create an Identification Card Program,” said Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, “Having identification will allow them access to various Social Service programs such as housing programs and health care. We want to make sure everyone in Asbury Park is prepared and have allowed for a provision to waive the fee for those that can’t afford it.”

State and Federal Officials are prompting members of the public to develop contingency plans for work, school, and home in the event that an outbreak occurs in our community. Families, educators, and employers should begin to prepare for the possibility of an interruption to everyday life.

The City of Asbury Park currently has no confirmed cases. Our steps are proactive—we feel it is important to take them now to help ensure our community’s well-being. Based on the Governor’s recommendation, we are asking people to use judgment and to limit public gatherings when possible.

The City has taken the following safety precautions in preparation for an outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):

The City of Asbury Park has been sharing information from the Centers for Disease Control frequently on social media with information on disease prevention and best practices

The Department of Social Services has been distributing Coronavirus education flyers throughout the City at locations such as the Transportation Center, the Rescue Mission, the Women’s Hospitality Network, senior buildings, boarding homes and to the Housing Authority

Asbury Park Fire Department (EMS) is following operating guidelines developed with information from the CDC, Monmouth County Health Department, the Monmouth County Communications Center, and APFD EMS Medical Director Dr. Steven Vetrano concerning any medical responses that fit the possible symptoms of Coronavirus

APFD (EMS) has recently purchased an AeroClave ambulance disinfection system which will be installed shortly

 Asbury Park Police Department continues to follow recommended guidelines, has protocols in place for incidents involving Coronavirus and is prepared with appropriate safety equipment  

The Department of Public Works has done major disinfections of the Transportation Center, Senior Center, Library and City Hall—and will continue to disinfect all City of Asbury Park public facilitates and Asbury Park bus stops on a daily basis

The Asbury Park Senior Center is staying open but all outside events and trips have been canceled to keep our most vulnerable population safe

The Asbury Park Transportation Center has been closed. NJTransit service remains unaffected and tickets can be purchased at outdoor kiosks or on the train.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Prevention & Resources

There is no treatment or vaccine available to prevent Coronavirus, but the best way to protect yourself from contracting or spreading viruses is to follow good, common hygiene practices that include:

• Frequent hand washing with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if no access to water.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home from work or school if sick