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 Department of Health Issues Saturday Update
June 6
As of 12 a.m. on June 6, 2020 the Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) reported one additional case of COVID-19 among county residents, bringing the total of confirmed postitive cases to 1161. Of the 1161 cases, 967 cases have been classified as recovered. Click here to read the June 6 notice. Today's report shows the total of Wantage cases back down to 51 cases. (No explanation given.) Five new COVID-19-related deaths were reported, bringing the number of Sussex County deaths at 173. (These deaths occured in prior months and were added to today's report as probable cases.) Click to read the CDRSS June 6 report.
The summary of Sussex County COVID-19 cases by outcome as of June 5:
Total number of cases: 1161
Total number of cases recovered: 967
Total number of cases deceased: 173
Total number of cases under investigation: 21
Primary Elections Mail-In Ballot Information
June 5
Governor Murphy announced major changes to the July 7, 2020 Primary Election process. This update comes after the initial change in the primary election date from June 2, 2020 to July 7, 2020, which was announced last month. According to Executive Order No. 144, all active registered Republicans and Democrats will automatically receive mail-in ballots for voting in the 2020 Primary Election. All registered unaffiliated voters will receive a mail-in ballot application so they can apply to receive a mail-in ballot to vote in the 2020 Primary Election. The Executive Order also provides for some regional polling centers to be open on Election Day to accommodate disabled voters. A list of these polling locations can be found on the Board of Elections website: www.sussex.nj.us/elections. Voters are encouraged to vote the ballot they receive in the mail and return it in the pre-paid envelope provided, or drop their ballot in a secure ballot drop box located at:
- Vernon Township Municipal Building
- Hardyston Township Municipal Building
- Sparta Township Municipal Building
- Hopatcong Borough Municipal Building
- Newton Town Municipal Building
Voters may not bring their ballot to the polling place on Election Day. Any voter who shows up at the polls on Election Day will only be able to vote a paper Provisional Ballot. For more information, please call the Board of Elections at 973-579-0950 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Sussex County Clerk Issues Letter to Voters about Upcoming Primary Elections
June 4
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, voting in NJ’s Primary Elections will look different this year. Click here for letter on what voters need to know.
Sussex County COVID-19 Patient Testing Center Open at SCCC
May 11
The Sussex County COVID-19 drive-through testing center for Sussex County residents only, opened on Monday, May 11. It is located at Sussex County Community College (SCCC) in Newton. Residents must show up in a vehicle and must have an appointment in order to access the testing site – you cannot walk through the testing center. Residents will need to display identification and will need to have a printed copy of a COVID-19 medical prescription from a medical provider. For more information, 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)
State Announcements
State Parks Reopen
April 30
Governor Murphy signed Executive Order #133 to allow the reopening of NJ state parks and forests on May 2. Activities are limited to fishing, boating, hiking, walking, running/jogging, biking, and horseback riding. Remaining closed will be picnic areas, playgrounds, exercise stations and equipment, swimming, pavilions, restrooms, and other buildings. Visitors must wear cloth facial coverings where social distancing is difficult. Parking will be reduced by 50% and parking is prohibited in undesigned areas. No picnicking is allowed and picnic blankets, chairs, coolers, and other personal property are prohibited and may not be carried into state parks and forests. Golf courses and county parks will also be allowed to reopen. Social distancing will continue to be mandated. Click here to read complete executive order.
State Parks and Golf Courses Reopen
April 29
The Governor ordered state parks and golf courses to reopen at sunrise Saturday, May 2. Observe strict social distancing. Parking will be capped at 50% of capacity. Restrooms will be closed. Picnics and team sports are prohibited. Face coverings are recommended.
Governor Announces Principles to Recovery
April 27
Read “The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health” on the Governonr's webpage: https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/approved/20200427b.shtml
NJ’s Drug Monitoring Initiative (DMI) has created a New Jersey Resource Guide
April 23
In response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, a New Jersey Resource Guide has been provided to provide DMI partners and the public with links to relevant resources for a variety of topics. Click here for the guide. Note: the guide incorrectly omits the available testing for County Residents in neighboring Morris County. The correct link is
https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/b8hq2y7k/
Motor Vehicle Agency and Inspection Station Remain Closed
April 23
All agency, road testing, and inspections facilities will remain closed until at least Monday, May 11. Most renewals of driver licenses, non-driver IDs, and registrations—including, for the first time, some commercial registrations—can be processed online at NJMVC.gov. Customers can change their address, pay fees, and other services online as well. Click here for details posted on Governor's website.
State Publishes Article about Masks
April 22
Click here to go to the NJ GOV webpage.
NJ Dept. of Health Issues Guide for Bars and Restaurants
April 17
Click here to go to the NJ DOH webpage.
NJ Dept. of Health Issues Guide for Retail Business
April 17
Click here to go to the NJ DOH webpage.
Governor Signs Executive Order No. 122
April 8
This order ceases all non-essential construction projects and imposes additional mitigation requirements on essential retail businesses and essential industries. The order also outlines specific protections and policies for all essential retail, manufacturing, and warehousing businesses, as well as businesses engaged in essential construction projects. Click here to go to the Governor's web page for full details. | Click here to read Executive Order No. 122
Govenor Signs Executive Order Mandating Masks Must Be Worn by Customers
April 8
Executive Order #122 require workers and customers to wear cloth face coverings while on the premises, and require workers to wear gloves when in contact with customers or goods. If a customer refuses to wear a cloth face covering for non-medical reasons, then the business must decline entry to the individual, unless the business is providing medication, medical supplies, or food, in which case the business policy should provide alternate methods of pickup and/or delivery of such goods. See complete order explanation on the NJ Gov website. This order also calls for non-essential construction projects to cease by Friday at 8 p.m.
Primary Elections Postponed to July 7
April 8
Primary elections scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, have been postponed until Tuesday, July 7, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This includes primaries for President, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, the 25th District of the New Jersey Legislature, and county and municipal elections, as well as county committee elections. Click here to read Executive Order No. 120
Township Announcements
Wantage Parks Are Open, Playgrounds Closed
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 are closed. Please do not use the playground equipment. 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.
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!
Federal Announcements
USDA Rural Development
April 9
USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.
Visit www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus for information on Rural Development loan payment assistance, application deadline extensions, and more.
What's Closed
State Parks and Forests, County Parks Have Reopened with Restrictions
As of May 2, all State Parks and Forests and County parks will reopen to the public with restrictions. Refer to Executive Order 133 for what is allowed and what is prohibited
Wantage Parks Are Open, Playgrounds Closed
Maintain 6 feet apart from all walkers — for your safety and theirs. Playground areas are closed. Please do not use the playground equipment. All organized sports and group activities are not to be held until further notice.
Municipal Building Closed to Public
Town Hall is closed to the public until further notice. There is a drop box. For questions or concerns about this closing please call 973-875-7192. Wantage Township adminstration is advising the public to pay online.
Library is Closed
The Library is closed and all library programs and group meetings are suspended until further notice. The outside return box is locked. Please return any checked-out material when the library re-opens. Click here for the library's notice and information on the use of the library during the current health concerns.
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.
SREC Offices Closed
SREC offices are closed to the public. 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.
What's Canceled
Events Are Canceled or Postponed Until Further Notice
ALL community events and meetings that were scheduled to be held in the library or schools have been canceled or postponed until further notice. 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
In-person municipal Court sessions are canceled until further notice. See the Joint Municipal Court page for more information.
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.