CONFIRMED PLAINSBORO CASES OF CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 AS OF JUNE 1, 2020
Plainsboro Township receives confirmed Coronavirus/COVID-19 case information from the lead health agency, the Middlesex County Health Department. As of this date, two additional cases were reported, bringing the total number of cases in Plainsboro Township to 193. The latest information from the county is available at www.middlesexcountynj.gov/casecount
BUILDING/FACILITY AND PROGRAM CLOSURES THROUGH AT LEAST JUNE 1ST
Due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak, the Township will be closed to the public for all normal municipal office and building operations until at least June 1st. Critical operational staff and department directors will be onsite periodically throughout the closure.
Recreation Programs/Food Pantry Operation - After much consideration, and with the health and safety of our residents always being our top priority, the township came to the decision to cancel all of the original summer programming and camps (which includes the Wicoff House Museum classes and events). We are in the process of developing an alternate set of program offerings that will provide you with unique options for summer activities. We are excited to announce that these options will be available on the Recreation website to view and register for, beginning June 8th. The Plainsboro Police Department is currently partnering with the Department of Recreation and Community Services on distribution of food through the food pantry.
Park Facilities - All passive park areas (walking/biking paths and trails), including the Plainsboro Preserve, will be open to the public effective May 4th consistent with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order. However, all active park facilities will be closed until further notice. These areas include all playground areas, fields, courts, restrooms and the dog park. We ask anyone utilizing our parks to understand that:
- Parking is limited to 50% of maximum capacity. Parking is prohibited in undesignated areas
- Picnics are prohibited
- Social distancing is required with the exception of immediate family members, caretakers, household members or romantic partners
- Organized or contact activities or sports and gatherings of any kind are banned
Conservation/Recycle Center - The township conservation/recycle center is closed until further notice.
Plainsboro Public Library - The Plainsboro Township Public Library will remain closed in accordance with Governor Murphy’s order. Library staff would like to remind everyone that they can borrow e-books and e-audiobooks at eLibraryNJ, download magazines at RB Digital, watch films, documentaries, and Great Course classes at Kanopy and research topics through their databases
Property Taxes - The second quarter installment for property taxes remains due May 1, 2020 with a 10 day grace period ending on May 11, 2020. If you have set up a Direct Withdrawal, your account will be debited on May 6, 2020. If you want to sign up for Direct Withdrawal, it is easy. Click here for the form - https://wipp.edmundsassoc.com/Wipp/Wipp1218/DirectWithdrawalForm.pdf To reduce the possible contact/spread of Covid-19 we are asking you to consider paying on-line via the e-check ($1.05) option. Visit https://wipp.edmundsassoc.com/Wipp/?wippid=1218 for this option. If you need assistance, we are available Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 am until 3:00 pm for at 609-799-0909, ext.1408. Since the Municipal building is temporarily closed until further notice, another payment option is to use our drop box located in the stairwell of the Police entrance. Push the button to the right of the second door and request entry to the Property Tax Drop Box. Once in the lobby, proceed through the door on the right-hand side but do not climb the stairs. The drop box is anchored to the wall on the left-hand side just inside the doorway.
Plainsboro/Cranbury Municipal Court - As of May 13th, Plainsboro-Cranbury Municipal court operations will resume via video or phone conference only. The building will remain closed to all members of the public. Court staff will provide notice and instruction to all defendants as to their required court appearance. Additionally, court fines can be paid on-line through the state website.
Vital Records - Requests for certified copies of vital records (birth/marriage/death) may be done online through the state website at https://www.state.nj.us/health/vital/order-vital/. For local mail in options please contact the Clerk’s Office at townshipclerk@plainsboronj.com or visit our website at www.plainsboronj.com for more information. Contact the Township Clerk’s Office for submission of marriage license applications.
Planning and Zoning - The Planning and Zoning office is currently processing Road Opening Permits on a limited basis. However, Tree Removal Permits are not being processed. There are no public meetings or hearings scheduled at this time.
Please be advised that voice mail and email responses from various departments may be delayed during this time period. The Township will re-evaluate closure status to determine if this schedule should be extended, modified or normal operations resumed on or about June 1st. Thank you for your patience during this difficult time. If you have any questions or concerns please email admin@plainsboronj.com.
BEWARE OF CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 SCAMS
Please be aware that there are several scams out there both online and in person (door to door).
The online scam involves the purchase of medicine/healing remedies for Coronavirus/COVID-19. There are currently no approved medications/healing remedies. At this time, everything is in the trial and testing phase.
People are also going door to door stating they are from the CDC. Please be advised that the CDC DOES NOT go door to door requesting money.
If you are feeling ill and you are concerned that you or a loved one may have contracted Coronavirus/COVID-19, the CDC recommends that you call your doctor for guidance on medical screening. It is important NOT to go directly to the hospital for testing - or you will be turned away. If you do not have a primary care physician, call the CDC Coronavirus/COVID-19 Hotline at (800) 962-1253 or (800) 222-1222 for screening information. For more information on what to do in the event of illness visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
Testing Locations - Middlesex County Health Department is the lead health agency for COVID-19 testing. Testing information, including sites and available sessions, can be found on the County website at http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/PSH/Pages/COVID-19--Testing.aspx
For general information and other basic needs NJ-2-1-1 is available to all state residents. Simply dial 211 or text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive alerts and updates. You may also visit the state’s COVID-19 website at https://covid19.nj.gov/
If you are feeling anxious and overwhelmed by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak, visit https://nami.org/getattachment/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf?lang=en-US for helpful information from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Penn Medicine Princeton Health created a video to help people that are having difficulty managing the emotions that can come from changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. View the video here www.ustream.tv/princetonhealth