For
Immediate Release:
April 9, 2020
Freeholders
provide updates
on
latest initiatives; COVID-19
FREEHOLD, NJ – On behalf of the Board of Chosen
Freeholders, Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and
Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley held a press conference today to
provide updates on the COVID-19 situation and additional support that the
County will supply the business community.
“Since the start of the Take Out in Monmouth
initiative last week, we have complied well over 750 businesses, which can be
found at www.takeoutinmonmouth.com,”
said Freeholder Director Arnone, liaison to the Divisions of Economic
Development and Tourism. “Today, we are now adding breweries and wineries to
this online list to further boost the local economy. These business owners are
our friends, neighbors and community leaders and we owe our support to these
individuals and their employees during this difficult time.”
Together, Monmouth County municipalities, local
chambers as well as the County Divisions of Economic Development and Tourism
continue to research and identify all food grocers, breweries, wineries and
restaurants open. While the County works to maintain an updated list, email TakeOutInMonmouth@visitmonmouth.com
to be listed or request a change in listing.
“As a result
of mounting cases and more and more residents becoming increasingly frightened
to leave their own home, the Monmouth County Aging Disability Resource Center has
prepared the COVID-19 Resource Guide to assist seniors and residents with
disabilities who may be struggling to acquire basic needs during this health
pandemic,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley, liaison to the Department of
Human Services. “The County has been extensively collaborating with local
officials and the guide will be frequently updated to reflect the most current
services and resources offered by municipality.”
In addition to Monmouth County ADRC (Aging
Disability Resource Center), Monmouth ACTS (Assisting Communities Through
Services) has been directing residents to Monmouth Resource Net, an online
directory of community and health resources and services, information about
residential mortgage relief as well as mental health support.
The Freeholders also discussed the Executive Order signed
on Thursday, April 7 by the Governor, closing all Monmouth County parks indefinitely.
"I
would like to publicly state that I do not support the indefinite closure of
all county parks in New Jersey. I also find it unacceptable that
we have no input as to when they will reopen. There are a number of
options that could have been considered as an alternative to completely
closing county parks, including limiting hours, days, et cetera,” said
Freeholder Director Arnone. “The Monmouth County Board
of Chosen Freeholders has felt, throughout this entire pandemic, that our
County parks are essential for our residents' mental health and a great choice
for passive recreation. I promise that we will open our parks immediately
as soon as the Executive Order is lifted."
All public is restricted from parks and golf courses. Park
and golf course entrances and parking lots are gated or barricaded and visitors
who gain park access by foot or bike will be directed to leave, as the parks
will still be patrolled. Marina services are suspended but owners will have
access to their boats.
Monmouth County news updates and information regarding the
COVID-19 situation are posted at www.visitmonmouth.com.
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