The expiration date for driver licenses, registration and inspections were extended again on May 18th. Gov. Phil Murphy and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Sue Fulton announced that an additional extension will be implemented for the documents as the agency remains closed to due to their continuing efforts to mitigate COVID-19 and safeguard public health. All standard driver licenses, including permits, all vehicle registrations, vehicle inspections, temporary tags and veteran/Purple Heart placards that were set to expire between March 13 and May 31, have been extended to July 31. Documents expiring June 30 are extended two months to Aug. 31, and those expiring July 31 are extended to Sept. 30.

Gov. Murphy's Executive Order No. 147 will take effect on Friday, May 22nd at 6:00 a.m. allowing certain outdoor activities at recreational businesses, including archery ranges, batting cages, golf driving ranges, horseback riding, shooting ranges, and tennis clubs as well as community gardens to open with required social distancing measures in place. To limit physical interactions, the order requires outdoor recreational businesses that reopen to limit capacity to 10 people at one time and implement reasonable restrictions. Community gardens may reopen so long as they comply with the same restrictions implemented at parks under Executive Order No. 133. The order also relaxes four of the restrictions on golf courses, allowing them to expand tee-times to four players, allow the use of forecaddies, offer club and equipment rentals, and reopen restrooms with disinfecting and hygiene protocols in place.

 

AN article in the New York Times highlights new evidence that some children may become very sick, and we are beginning to learn more about who may be most at risk and what parents need to watch for. This past week there were reports of children hospitalized in different locations, including New York City, with a multisystem inflammatory disease. In addition, new research continues to be published describing the ways that the virus can behave in children, which is not always how it behaves in adults. Many of the symptoms of this recently described syndrome resemble those of a rare childhood illness called Kawasaki disease. While Ped​iatric Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome sounds frightening, the American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents that this condition is very rare and if notice any of the following symptoms, call your pediatrician: a fever that won't go away; abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting; rash or changes in skin color; trouble breathing and, your child seems confused or overly sleepy​. Your pediatrician will let you know if your child needs to be seen in the office or if you need to go to the emergency department.​

Mayor Brennan recorded a video message for the Borough of Merchantville regarding COVID-19 on May 7th. His message included the unfortunate announcement of the Borough’s first coronavirus death; clarification of passive recreation park use; the requirement to wear face coverings when working at or patronizing essential businesses; and, availability of testing by appointment regardless of symptoms for anyone over 18 at the Barrington Rite Aid site. The mayor thanked residents for all their hard work and patience.

Federal Emergency aid will help New Jersey school districts with expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The median amount among 654 districts and charter schools is about $116,000, ranging from no additional money in a handful of small districts or charter schools to nearly $19.3 million in Newark. Merchantville received $57,974. Gov. Phil Murphy says state aid to schools is in jeopardy as New Jersey faces revenue shortfalls in the billions of dollars and while it is welcome help, school leaders acknowledged it was just one piece of an uncertain financial future for the schools as the state grapples with a pandemic that is sure to bring considerable hardship to their classrooms.
 

Six weeks ago, The Cooper Foundation established the COVID-19 Assistance Fund to support our healthcare professionals working around the clock caring for patients who have come into contact with the virus. From critical PPE to meals and coffee for health system workers and heartwarming messages of gratitude and encouragement – our community has embraced our needs with overwhelming generosity and we are so thankful. In addition to face masks, face shields, gowns and ventilators, the COVID-19 Assistance Fund has also been used to purchase additional technology so hospitalized patients can communicate with loved ones. As the pandemic continues, Cooper's priorities will evolve to meet the needs of our professionals and our patients. Your continued support - no matter how big or small - makes a direct impact on patients and families in our community.

Merchantville is filled with neighbors going the extra mile to help each other and the community. It is also home to frontline workers like lifelong Merchantville resident Laura Panarello. As an assistant nurse manager for Virtua Health’s satellite emergency rooms in both Camden and Berlin, Ms. Panarello is familiar with the impact Covid-19 continues to have on our area. She took a few moments to speak with me about this time and how the hospital, and she, manage to juggle patients amid the pandemic. For staff on the frontlines this virus was something of an unknown. Says Ms. Panarello, “the most difficult part, especially in the very beginning, was keeping up with all the information being presented. This is a totally new virus, but came from a family of viruses that we already knew about. So, we had some base knowledge, but as we were studying the novel coronavirus and how and who it affected, things were rapidly changing.”

She quotes Monty Python’s famous line, “no one expects the Spanish Inquisition,” adequately summing up the reality that while this pandemic was never expected, practices already in place ensure that staff and patients may continue to receive needed care safely. Hygiene practices such as meticulous handwashing and sanitizing high-touch areas already a daily occurrence help keep staff and patients protected from the virus.

Like many others in her position have reported, one of the more difficult repercussions in the hospital setting is limiting loved ones with patients. Family sitting beside is no longer permitted and more precautions put into place require patients and their visitors to adhere to practices intended to keep them and others in the hospital safe.

Outside of the hospital, Ms. Panarello finds solace in her garden. Taking in sunshine and fresh air as often as the weather permits helps keep her mentally strong and rejuvenate her for a return to the frontlines. 

Merchantville proudly supports Laura and all of our frontline workers. And Laura’s thoughts for Merchantville? “One of Merchantville’s best attributes is the sense of community. I have lived here my whole life, and despite social distancing people are still looking out for one another. We know our neighbors and we are checking in on each other. Do mental health checks too. Calling someone or writing them a letter could impact their entire day.”

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