Coronavirus News and Announcements
The most recent notices, closings, and cancellations due to the Coronavirus can be found on this page. They are posted by category, by date, with the most recent on top. This page is updated frequently, so check in often for the latest information. For older notices, please refer to the Coronavirus Notices Archive page.
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
For Sussex County updates visit https://sussex.nj.us/covid19
Sussex County Health Department Notices and Updates
Please note that totals change often. Refer to the SC Coronasvirus page for the lastest information.
Sussex County Monday Update
July 13
The Sussex County Health Department announced ten new cases over the past three days and one death. Monday's report shows an additional case in Wantage, bringing our total cases to 58. The County's numbers now stand at 1275 confirmed cases, 1067 cases recovered, 195 deaths due to COVID-19, and 13 cases under investigation.
Read Monday's press release.
Read Monday's CDRSS report.
Face Coverings to be Worn in Outdoor Public Spaces
July 8
On Wednesday Governor Murphy signed an executive order requiring individuals to wear masks in outdoor public spaces when they cannot social distance. Click here to read Executive Order No. 163.
COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program
June 24
COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program enrollment begins Monday, July 6 at 9 a.m. through Friday, July 10 at 5 p.m. providing temporary rental assistance to low and moderate income households. Apply early, expected to sell out. https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/cverap.html
COVID-19 Testing Center at CCM Has Closed
June 26
Morris County’s COVID-19 Testing Center at CCM closed on Friday, June 26. Use the Test Site Finder to find another testing locataion.
County Closes COVID-19 Testing Center at College
June 20
Sussex County closed the COVID-19 testing center at Sussex County Community College due to a downtrend in testing. Click here to read press release.
Four Factors in the Spread of COVID-19
June 12
The NJ Department of Health and NJ CDC have published a graphic on the spread of COVID-19. The spread can be broken down into four factors: time, space, people, and place. The graphic also lists seven bullet points on minimizing the risk of COVID-19. Click here to view the graphic.
County Announcements
Library Update
June 29
Book drops are now open for library returns. You may return materials when you are ready; all due dates have been extended to July 31st. Please allow a few days for sanitization before returns are removed from your account. Curbside book pickups are now available. You will recieve a phone call to schedule your pickup time when your holds are ready. The online catalogue has been reopened so patrons may place holds on books. The library buildings are still closed to the public*. More information can be found on the library's website. For questions, call 973-948-3660 or email sussexref@sussexcountylibrary.org
* Although the Governor has announced that libraries are among the public spaces that can open at 25% capacity beginning July 2, the availability of sanitizing supplies and proper installation of safety measures may delay the SCLS reopening by several weeks. The health of patrons and staff remains of utmost importance as the library moves through reopening phases. The library staff will continue to send updates via its newsletter, website, and social media.
Business Reopening Status Interactive Map
June 8
The County of Sussex created a mapping application to help residents connect with local businesses as we recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic. This information is provided as a public service announcement in order to help assist our local residents and businesses. On this interactive map viewers can see a list of businesses and the open status of the businesses. The map is free to use and business owners may submit their business to be included free of charge. This is a great tool for shopping in Sussex County. Access the map at:
http://sussex.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=d557632ad1494539a7bae50ac0585f83.
Click here to read the press release.
SC DOH PSA
April 15 - The Sussex County Department of Health has released a Public Service Announcement, Do Your Part to Help Slow the Spread of Illness. Click here to view the PSA on YouTube. For more videos, the County's YouTube Channel is https://youtube.com/sussexnj
Disaster Response Crisis Counselors Are Available
April 2
The Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) announced that certified Disaster Response Crisis Counselors (DRCCs) are available to speak to Sussex County residents who may be experiencing emotional or mental difficulties related to COVID-19. DRCCs are trained to provide disaster mental health services, including psychological first aid and crisis counseling. DRCCs are certified through the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services Disaster and Terrorism Branch, along with the Mental Health Association of New Jersey and the Certification Board of New Jersey, Inc. Click here for Crisis Councelor information.
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)
Township Announcements
Wantage Parks Are Open, Playgrounds Open on July 2
Wantage Township will continue to allow Woodbourne Park to stay open as long as social distance rules are followed. Please remind your family that if groups of people are seen together at the park, we will have to close Woodbourne. Maintain six feet apart from all walkers — for your safety and theirs. Playground areas will reopen on July 2 at 9 a.m. 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.
Municipal Building to Reopen to the Public on July 6
The Municipal Building will be reopening to the public beginning on July 6. To access the building, ring the doorbell by the front door. The public will be required to have their temperature taken and wear a face mask.
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 that are open. Thanks!
Helpful Websites
NJ Senate - Office of Senator Steven Oroho
https://www.senatenj.com/index.php/email/email-oroho/breaking-news-update-on-covid-19-4-1-2020-5/47239
NJ Office of Homeland Security
https://www.njhomelandsecurity.gov/covid19
Misc Information
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.
Emergency Home Food Delivery
Those in need of emergency home food delivery should contact NORWESCAP Pathways 2 Prosperity at 973-862-6680 (note that the caller will need to leave a message; calls are being returned off site) The service is being extended to those who do not have the capacity to leave their homes in order to purchase food themselves. Food is being delivered on Tuesday every week, and will only be dropped off curbside. Food will not be brought into the home under any circumstance at this time. A complete list of food pantries and current human service provider offerings can be found on the County website and are updated daily.
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.