The City of Perth Amboy and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is monitoring and implementing emergency orders to attempt to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). My administration has been in discussions with various stakeholders including the Office of the Governor, New Jersey State Department of Health (NJDOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure the safety and wellness of our residents.

The following executive orders will be in effect starting Monday, March 16^, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. Though we have no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) amongst our residents, we want to attempt to contain the spread of virus and take every precaution possible to safeguard our community.

• Mayor Wilda Diaz and the Office of Emergency Management have declared a State of Emergency for the City of Perth Amboy;
• All public, private, and parochial preschool programs, and elementary and secondary schools in Perth Amboy, including charter and renaissance schools, are closed beginning on Monday, March 16, 2020, and remain closed as long as the Order remains in effect. This does not apply to daycare centers which can remain open at their discretion;
• All gatherings of persons shall be limited to 25 persons or fewer in Perth Amboy, with limited exceptions;
• All nightclubs, gyms, fitness centers and classes, movie theaters, and performing arts centers will be closed to the public beginning on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. and remain closed as long as this Order remains in effect;
• All other non-essential retail, recreational, and entertainment businesses must cease daily operations from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. During business hours businesses may remain open if they limit their occupancy to no more than 50 persons and adhere to social distance guidelines;
• Essential businesses such as supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices, and gas stations may remain open past 8:00 p.m. After 8:00 p.m. all non-essential business must close;
• All restaurant establishments, with or without a liquor or limited brewery license, are limited to offering delivery and/or take out-services ONLY. All establishments will banned from serving alcohol;
• Residents are encouraged to stay on their homes at this time, baring emergencies and exempting those reporting or returning from work. ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY.

The Perth Amboy Police Department is keeping a close eye on price gauging throughout city-wide. Residents wanting to report price gouging and consumer fraud are encouraged to call the Division of Consumer Affairs at 973-504-6240

CLOSURE AND CANCELLATIONS

EFFECTIVE MARCH 17^TH UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

o   Schools will be closed as of Monday, March 16^th until further notice

o   City Hall is closed to the public

o   Perth Amboy Public Library will be closed

o   All recreational programs, including senior services, have been suspended

o   Perth Amboy court sessions have been suspended for two weeks

o   The Tax and Water Department will be closed until further notice. Residents are encouraged to pay online and or use the city’s drop off box in the front of City Hall. Please use a money order or check and be sure to add your account number.

o   All parks will enforce closure at dusk

• The Alexander F. Jankowski Community Center at 1 Olive Street will allow public to visit the Office of Vital Statistics, by appointment only.
• Code Enforcement Department will have the 1^st floor receptionist area open to assist residents with their code issues. All other offices will be closed and or by appointment only.
• The Department of Public works will remain in operation for garbage collection and sanitation.
• Public Safety will remain in full operation and will ensure enforcement of the city-wide State of Emergency Executive Order.
• Alternate side street cleaning is canceled until further notice

PREVENTION AND WELLNESS

It is important to stay up-to-date by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website. Here are some everyday preventative measures you can follow (as instructed by the CDC):

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol;
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people keep a distance of six feet from others to avoid spreading or catching of the virus;
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe;

Sign up for Coronavirus Notifications:

For the emergency updates and up-to-date notifications, residents are encouraged to text their zip code to 888777.

“I encourage our residents to follow these rules to help prevent the spread and infection of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), especially amongst elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. In times of crisis, we are reminded of our strength and courage as a community. As your mayor, I thank you for your cooperation so that our office and community partners can provide seamless care to the residents of Perth Amboy,” said Mayor Wilda Diaz.