As of Wednesday, April 8th, we have 88 confirmed cases of the virus in Pompton Lakes. There are some homes with two infected family members. Many of the infected individuals are self-isolating at home while they recover. At this time, I know of seven residents in the hospital. That does not mean there are not more. The state does not offer daily numbers of hospitalized COVID-19 patients broken down by town.

It is with a very heavy heart that I report that Pompton Lakes has had its first two deaths. The only information I received is that it was an elderly gentleman and an elderly women. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Our local health department continues to do the follow up with all of our positive cases. They conduct interviews with the positive cases, and based on those interviews they reach out to any resident they believe may have come into contact with an infected individual.

According to the state health department, our social distancing efforts are working to flatten the curve. These efforts will need to continue for the foreseeable future.

I cannot stress enough the importance of self-quarantining at home and social distancing as our best methods for stopping the spread of this virus. We should also all continue frequent hand washing, avoiding touching our faces, and disinfecting commonly touched objects/surfaces.

Parents, PLEASE remind your children they should not be gathering in groups, whether in homes or outside. Children should also be practicing social distancing at all times. This is vital in our efforts to flatten the curve given the fact that children can be carriers of the virus. Yesterday Governor Murphy signed an Executive Order closing all state and county parks to the public. Our tennis courts and dog parks are now closed.

It is my number one priority to keep our first responders safe while they work tirelessly to keep residents safe. I know this is also the priority of all of our residents. With that said, we will not be doing drive bys for any reason. The time and attention of our first responders is extremely limited and we need to make sure it is being used wisely during this pandemic.

This virus is serious and we all need to do our part to help keep our community safe. We are mechanically disinfecting all town emergency vehicles twice a day and borough offices twice a week. We will continue to take every precaution to keep first responders, healthcare workers, and all other essential employees healthy. They are our real heroes in this crisis.

Garbage and recycling remains open. Borough hall, the building department, and the tax department are open by appointment only. Please call first before arriving. Unfortunately, taxes are still due on May 1st. Without taxes we cannot pay our borough employees or teachers.

Please visit our website at www.pomptonlakes-nj.gov

Please take every precaution to remain safe and healthy. With all the extra time we have, check up on family and neighbors. Stay positive and take care of yourself both mentally and physically. Remember that every day that passes is a small step towards a return to a semblance of normal.

We are all in this together and we will come through this.

Thank you,

Mayor Michael Serra