Coronavirus News and Announcements

The many notices, closings, and cancellations due to the Coronavirus can be found on this page. They are posted by date, with the most recent on top. This page is updated frequently, so check in often for the latest information.

For the most complete and up to date info on COVID-19 go to the State of NJ COVID-19 Information Hub at covid19.nj.gov

Sussex County Health Department Notices and Updates

Sussex County Department of Health Issues Monday Update

March 30
As of 12 a.m. on March 30, 2020 the Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) was notified of 24 additional cases of COVID-19 among county residents. The total number of cases of COVID-19 in Sussex County now stands at 122. Three of these new cases are from Wantage. The total number of reported positive cases in Wantage is 11. Click here for the March 30 notice and breakdown of additional cases by town.

Sussex County Department of Health Issues Sunday Update

March 29
As of 12 a.m. on March 29, 2020 the Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) was notified of 11 additional cases of COVID-19 among county residents. The total number of cases of COVID-19 in Sussex County now stands at 98. One of these new cases is from Wantage. The total number of reported positive cases in Wantage is eight. Click here for the March 29 notice and breakdown of additional cases by town.

Sussex County Department of Health Announces Additional Sussex County COVID-19 Deaths

March 29
Two additional COVID-19 cases in the County resulting in the death of the patient were announced on Sunday. The patients were both women who resided in Newton, aged 93 and 96. Click here for the press release.

COVID-19 FAQs

What's closed? What are the signs and symptoms? Who should be tested? Click to download the NJ Dept. of Health's COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions.

Sussex County Department of Health Announces First Sussex County COVID-19 Death

March 28
The first COVID-19 case in the County resulting in the death of the patient was announced on Friday. The patient was aged 68, female, and a Newton resident. Admitted to Newton Medical Center on Wednesday, she passed away on Friday. Click here for the press release.

Sussex County Department of Health Issues Saturday Update

March 28
As of 12 a.m. on March 28, 2020 the Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) was notified of 15 additional cases of COVID-19 among county residents. The total number of cases of COVID-19 in Sussex County now stands at 87. None of the new cases are from Wantage. Click here for the March 28 notice and breakdown of additional cases by town.

Sussex County Department of Health Issues Friday Update

March 27
As of 12 a.m. on March 27, 2020 the Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) was notified of 25 additional cases of COVID-19 among county residents. The total number of cases of COVID-19 in Sussex County now stands at 72. Seven of the cases are from Wantage. Click here for the March 27 notice and breakdown of additional cases by town.

Sussex County Department of Health Issues Thursday Update

March 26
As of 12 a.m. on March 26, 2020 the Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) was notified of 15 additional cases of COVID-19 among county residents. The total number of cases of COVID-19 in Sussex County now stands at 47. Click here for the March 26 notice and breakdown of additional cases by town.

Sussex County Department of Health Issues Wednesday Update

March 25
As of 12 a.m. on March 25, 2020 the Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) was notified of 10 additional cases of COVID-19 among county residents. This brings the total in Sussex County to 32. Click here for the March 25 notice and breakdown of additional cases by town.

Sussex COVID-19 Hotline

March 24
The Sussex County Division of Health COVID-19 Hotline is now open. Residents may call the Hotline number at 973-579-9488 to speak with a Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) staff member or Sussex County Medical Reserve Corp volunteer. The Hotline’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Additional information for residents can be found at the locations listed below.

Sussex County website https://sussex.nj.us/covid19
2-1-1 (NJ Department of Health)
1-800-962-1253
Text NJCOVID to 898-211 (NJ Department of Health)

Sussex County Department of Health Issues Saturday Update

March 21
Sussex County Freeholder Director Sylvia Petillo and the Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) are announcing five additional cases of COVID-19 in Sussex County. The cases were identified in Andover Township, Byram Township, Frankford Township, Hopatcong Borough and Town of Newton. The Sussex County Division of Health has been working to identify individuals who came into contact with these residents. Anyone identified as a close contact, per New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) guidelines, is in their home under self-quarantine and being monitored by the SCDOH staff. Please click here to read the notice in its entirety

Sussex County Department of Health Issues Friday Update

March 20 5:40 p.m.
Sussex County Freeholder Director Sylvia Petillo and the Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) are announcing additional cases of COVID-19 in Sussex County. Two of the cases reside in Sparta, one resides in Montague, and one resides in Hampton. Both the SCDOH and the patients were notified of the positive results on March 20, 2020. The Sussex County Division of Health has been working to identify individuals who came into contact with the residents. Anyone identified as a close contact, per New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) guidelines, is in their home under self-quarantine and being monitored by the SCDOH staff. Please click here to read the notice in its entirety

Fourth Tests Positive in Sussex County

March 20
Sussex County Freeholder Director Sylvia Petillo and the Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) are announcing a fourth case of COVID-19 in Sussex County. The Hardyston resident was sent for testing on March 17, 2020, and the SCDOH and the patient were notified of the positive results on March 19, 2020. The Sussex County Division of Health has been working to identify individuals who came into contact with the resident. Anyone identified as a close contact, per New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) guidelines, is in their home under self-quarantine and being monitored by the SCDOH staff. Please click here to read the notice in its entirety.

Three Test Positive in Sussex County

March 18
Sussex County Freeholder Director Sylvia Petillo and the Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) announce three positive cases of COVID-19 in Sussex County. The SCDOH was notified of three positive cases in Sussex County on March 18, 2020. The three cases reside in Sparta Township, Vernon Township, and Frankford Township. The SCDOH has been working to identify individuals who came into contact with these residents. Anyone identified as a close contact, per New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) guidelines, is directed to self-quarantine and is being monitored by the SCDOH. Please click here to read the notice in its entirety.

State Announcements

Rumor Control and Disinformation Website

Posted March 27
The Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness has launched a webpage to help the public distinguish between facts and rumors/disinformation regarding COVID-19. Click to go to the COVID-19 Rumor Control and Disinformation website.

Govenor Issues Executive Order 108

Effective March 21 at 9 p.m.
This order states that any county or municipal restriction imposed in response to COVID-19 that in any way will or might conflict with any of the provisions of Executive Order No. 107 (2020), or which will or might in any way interfere with or impede its achievement, or the achievement of Administrative Orders issued as authorized by my Executive Orders, is hereby invalidated... Click here to read Executive Order No. 108.

Govenor Issues Executive Order 107

Effective March 21 at 9 p.m.
This order supersedes Executive Order No. 104 where there is conflict and orders all New Jersey Residents to remain at theri place of residence unless obtaining goods or service from essential businesses... Click here to read Executive Order No. 107.

Administrative Order No. 2020-3 Updates Mandatory Facility Closures

Effective March 20 at 8 p.m.
This order adds the following facilities are added to the list of facilities closed to members ofthe public in accordance with paragraph 7 of Executive Order No. 104 (2020) : All municipal, county and State public libraries, and all libraries andcomputer labs at public and private colleges and universities... Click here to read Administrative Order No. 2020-3.

Govenor Issues Executive Order 106

March 20
This order declares that a person shall not be removed from a residential property as the result of an eviction or foreclosure proceeding. Click here to read Executive Order 106 in its entirety.

Administrative Order 2020-2 Mandates Facility Closures

March 20
The State of New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety Division of New Jersey State Police Office of Emergency Management has issued an administrative order that mandates the closure of certain facilities. This order expands on the mandated closures of Executive Order 104. Some of the mandated closures include barber shops, beauty salons, nail salons, spas, massage parlors, tanning salons, tattoo parlors, and public and private social clubs (including, but not limited to, the American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus, Elks, Fire Department). Please click here to read the complete Administrative Order No. 2020-2.

NJ 211 Handling Covid-19 Questions

March 19 3:15 p.m.

Starting March 19, NJ 211 has been activated to assist with handling COVID-19 calls from NJ residents. Residents can also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text information and to stay informed. To receive live text assistance, residents can text their zip code to 898-211.

If the public has questions, they should contact the call center: 1-800-962-1253. Call center is open 24/7 and has multi-language capacity. The call center is not able to diagnose individuals, provide testing appointments or results, or give specific medical recommendations. Callers who need medical advice should contact their healthcare provider.

Mild symptoms include fever, some aches and pains, dry cough. Persons with mild symptoms are recommended to stay home, rest, and recover. In general, testing is not needed in those with mild symptoms.

Supreme Court of New Jersey Orders Extentions

March 19
With regard to local property tax appeals, filing deadlines have been extended. Click here to read the full order.

Township Announcements

Town Hall Reduces Hours

Starting Monday, March 23, until further notice, Town Hall hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Municipal Building Closed to Public

Starting Monday, March 16, until further notice there will be no public contact at Town Hall. There will be a drop box. If there are any questions or concerns about this closing please call 973-875-7192. Wantage Township adminstration is advising the public to pay online. Updates will be posted as received.

Get the Facts on Coronavirus

As part of the County’s effort to get information to municipalities and the general public, Wantage has been provided a five-minute video entitled, “Get the Facts on Coronavirus.” The video may be viewed at https://youtu.be/kIL5m5XznNY.

covid-19 preventions / awareness tips

Shop Local

If you can, shop and eat local during these tough times. We have multiple restaurants in Wantage and would like to keep them afloat during this time. Click here to see our local Wantage businesses. Thanks!

Attention Senior Shoppers

Sparta Stop 'n' Shop will be opening early for Seniors. Begining on March 19, from 6 to 7:30 a.m. Stop & Shop stores will be open only for those over 60 years old. The hours for seniors are an effort to allow older community members to shop in a less-crowded environment, which better enables social distancing. Click here for details.

What's Closed

Municipal Building Closed to Public

Sussex Wantage Regional School District Closed

The Sussex Wantage Regional School District is closed and hopes to reopen on Monday, April 20. All after-school and evening activities are canceled. The Care Program is also closed. At this time, there have not been reported cases of COVID-19 in our schools. Please refer to the SW website for the latest updates.

High Point Regional High School Closed

High Point Regional High School is closed and hopes to reopen on Monday, April 20. As of March 14, all athletic and extra-curricular activities are suspended and the high school is closed to staff and students. All events scheduled to be held at the high school by community groups have been suspended at this time. For closing information please refer to the school's website.

Library is Closed

The Sussex County Library has announced the building is now closed and that all library programs and group meetings are suspended until further notice. Please click here for the library's notice and information on the use of the library during the current health concerns.

Wantage Parks Are Open, Playgrounds Closed

Wantage Township parks are currently still open to the public, but the playground areas are closed. Please do not use the playgroud equipment. In an effort to encourage social distancing, all organized sports and group activities are not to be held until further notice. While we encourage our residents to get outside and exercise, please remember when at the parks to be safe. Best practice requires maintaining at least a six-foot distance between yourself and others.

American Legion Post and Sussex Elks Lodge are Closed

Per Executive Order # 106 The American Legion and Sussex Elks lodge are closed until further notice.

State Parks Open — Facilities Closed

As of March 16, open spaces at State parks and Wildlife Management Areas are open for passive recreation. This includes roads, parking areas, trails, lakes, and other open space areas. However, campgrounds, visitor centers, nature centers, restrooms and similar facilities at state parks, forests, recreation areas, Wildlife Management Areas, and historic sites are closed until further notice in order to protect public health and safety. Given the lack of services for the public, entry fees normally collected by state parks will be waived. Permits typically required, including, but not limited to mobile sport fishing permits (i.e. beach buggy permits), are still necessary. Please see the attached for more information.

SREC Offices Closed

Update March 19 - SREC has now closed its physical office to employees. All employees are moving to SREC's remote working plan. Power will not be affected; work will continue in alternative locations as needed. Linemen will be available for outages, bills will still be processed and sent to members, and applications for membership will continue to be processed. If you have questions, you will still be able to speak with employees via phone or email. The public can view updates of developments online at www.sussexrec.com/srecnow and via SREC's Facebook, and Twitter accounts.

March 16 - Beginning Monday, March 16, the business office of Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative will be closed to the public. The co-op will remain open and be fully staffed. The office staff is available to assist you over the phone and email at this time and the call center is staffed 24/7. Bills may be paid online or through the night deposit box. Information will be available online at www.sussexrec.com/srecnow and SREC will be notifying its members by email alerts, Facebook, and Twitter.

Elizabethtown Gas Closes Its Customer Service Centers

Elizabethtown Gas announced that effective March 17 it will temporarily close its Customer Service Centers. This includes the locations in Elizabeth and Perth Amboy. The closure will remain in effect indefinitely, subject to an evaluation of changing circumstances and guidance from government and public health entities. Click here to read complete press release.

What's Canceled

March Events Are Canceled or Postponed

ALL community events and meetings that were scheduled to be held in the library or schools have been canceled or postponed. Team practices scheduled at Wantage parks have been canceled. Lusscroft Farm events have also been canceled. Per Executive Order # 106 The American Legion and Sussex Elks lodge activities are canceled until further notice.

Municipal Court Sessions Canceled

March 30 Update Municipal Court sessions are suspended through April 26, 2020

update March 24 Wantage's court sessions for April 1, and April 8, 2020 have been canceled. Individuals who are scheduled to appear should wait for notice of a new court date. If you need to contact the Court Administrator of the Joint Municipal Court of Wantage, Sussex, Stillwater, and Branchville the phone number is 973-875-8676 and the email is donna.chernov@njcourts.gov. Online traffic tickets payment is available at www.njmcdirect.com. Updated information on municipal court closures will be available at njcourts.gov.

Rabies Clinic Canceled

The rabies clinic scheduled for April 3 has been canceled.

Easter Egg Hunt Canceled

The Easter egg hunt scheduled for April 5 has been canceled.