Coronavirus Updates

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March 20, 2020 – As the coronavirus pandemic continues and the economy and the lives of many people are disrupted, it is heartwarming to see and hear about positive and kind reactions in these difficult times.

1,400 Much Needed Face Masks Found and Donated

One of the more difficult challenges for our health care workers (doctors and nurses), first aid members, and other members on the front line is the acute shortage of protective gear, in particular, face masks. Volunteers at the InfoAge Science and History Center, Monmouth County (a historic museum in Wall Township) remembered there were 1,400 N-95 face masks that were ordered for people helping with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and were gathering dust in a warehouse. The masks were found and 1,000 of them were donated to Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank and another 400 to Wall Township,which was planning to distribute them to emergency workers and senior citizens.

Holmdel Chinese Community Donates to Holmdel First Aid Squad

Out of concern that members of the Holmdel First Aid Squad should get the protective gear that they need and in appreciation of their work and efforts in these trying times, the Alliance of Chinese American At Holmdel is making a donation of $1,000 to the Holmdel First Aid Squad.

A spokesperson said that the Alliance is also exploring other ways to help residents of Holmdel (and perhaps other towns nearby) during this crisis, including possibly helping to deliver food to seniors. They have reached out to various groups, including to the Holmdel Mayor, to see whether they can help. In addition, the Alliance is exploring making a donation to Holmdel Police as well as trying to gather or buy protective gear and donating them to the Township.

PNC Drive-Thru Testing

By now, most of you know that New Jersey’s second drive-through testing center will be at PNC Bank Arts Center starting on Monday at 8 AM. At the moment, there are limited resources – testing kits, protective gear and personnel – to test everybody. So, in order to avoid what happened at the Bergen Community College drive through testing center, elected officials have warned that only individuals with symptoms and very sick will be tested. You will also need a valid NJ ID. The center can only be accessed from the Garden State Parkway (exit 116). The local street access from Crawfords Corner Road will be closed off and only police and emergency personnel will be allowed through. Pedestrian traffic will not be allowed – it’s a drive-through testing center.

Holmdel Township Updates

On behalf of the Township Committee, Mayor Greg Buontempo has been issuing frequent official Township updates. The Township urges residents to sign up to Holmdel’s Code Red system if they haven’t done so already. This is very easy to do, just text “Holmdel” to 99411. You can call (732) 946-2820 if you need more information or visit www.holmdeltownship.com for future updates.

Social Distancing

Social distancing is critically important to stop the spread of COVID-19. Experts predict that our health care capacity will be overwhelmed if we don’t slow down the spread immediately. Please make sure you and your family are practicing this!