AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO THE CITIZENS OF ORANGE TOWNSHIP FROM MAYOR DWAYNE D. WARREN, ESQ.
There has been a significant uptick in positive COVID-19 cases in our area. Therefore, I have made the decision to close all municipal buildings to employees and the public beginning Thursday, December 24th, 2021 and will reopen Monday, January 10th, 2022 , safety permitting. Buildings closed to the public will include: City Hall, the Orange Police Station, The Orange Municipal Court, The Orange Fire House, the Orange Public Library and The Brook Alley Public Works Facility.
This action is just one measure we will take to help keep our community, workforce and families safe from the spread of the virus.
The front door to City Hall will be open for the public to deliver documents, to make payments and to conduct limited business.
Although the buildings will be closed to the public, City employees will respond quickly to calls for information and service. Residents can continue to conduct business and communicate with the Township during normal business hours by:
Telephone: CLICK HERE to access the online municipal employee cell phone directory
Email: info@ci.orange.nj.us
Website: www.ci.orange.nj.us
ZOOM meetings
I understand the temporary inconvenience this will cause to everyone. However, the safety of our employees, their families, and the residents of Orange remains my top priority. The decisions we are making today will help to prevent any further setbacks.
I urge everyone who can to get vaccinated. Beyond vaccination, everyone 16 and older should get a booster shot at any vaccine location if it has been at least two months since their one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot or at least six months after completing their two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series.
At this time, only the Pfizer vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 16 and 17.
Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations allow for the mix and match dosing for booster shots.
COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. However, studies show that vaccination may become less effective over time, especially in preventing infection or milder illness and in people over 65 years old. Booster doses provide necessary additional protection against waning immunity. All eligible individuals are encouraged to get booster shots.
The NJ Department of Health and Vault Medical Services have partnered to offer a free, at-home COVID-19 saliva test kit that is available to every New Jerseyan who thinks they need a test – even if you don’t have symptoms. For additional information and to order a free test kit, visit https://learn.vaulthealth.com/
Please use good judgement to help save lives and prevent the spread of COVID-19 as the new Omicron variant is highly contagious. We are experiencing many breakthrough cases with the Delta and Omicron variant.
Remember you can be an asymptomatic carrier even when fully vaccinated so taking precautions protects you, your family, and the community.
Face masks are strongly recommended for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in indoor settings where there is increased risk, including:
- Crowded indoor settings.
- Indoor settings involving activities with close contact with others who may not be fully vaccinated.
- Indoor settings where the vaccine status of other individuals in the setting is unknown.
- Where an individual is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease.
COVID-19 remains a threat, particularly at indoor gatherings with unvaccinated individuals. Follow the safety tips from the CDC and the NJ Department of Health to protect yourself and avoid putting your loved ones at risk:
- Get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.
- Already vaccinated? Get a COVID-19 booster.
- Celebrate with those who are fully vaccinated, outdoors, or in places with good ventilation.
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces and in high-risk settings regardless of vaccination status.
- Stay home and do not host a gathering if you feel sick.
- Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms or are a close contact.
- Delay travel until fully vaccinated.
- If traveling during the holidays, visit the new NJDOH Traveler’s Health page for safety tips and guidance!
- Make hand sanitizer available for guests.
- Remind guests to wash their hands before serving or eating food.
- Use single-use hand towels or paper towels for drying hands so guests do not share a towel.
- Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and any shared items between use when feasible.
Thank you for your cooperation in following these recommendations to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, especially during the Holiday season.
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