The Camden County Freeholder Board issued a release on Sunday, extending the state of emergency – which had existed in the county since March 17 – until further notice.
Camden County and its agencies will continue to keep emergency measures in place to reduce governmental operations to only essential functions. All essential employees, such as law enforcement, corrections, public safety, and others as dictated will report to work as usual. Non-essential employees will not report to work but will remain on call to work remotely as needed.
“Staying at home and social distancing are our best weapons against the virus in the historic period of time,” said Camden County freeholder Jonathan Young.
“This was not an easy decision to reach, however, our priority is to make judicious decisions that will benefit us all, flatten the curve, and reduce the spread of this virus. We will be constantly reevaluating our operations to ensure that we can provide these services while continuing to protect our employees and our residents.”
Government Operations and Closures
Camden County will continue to provide core services, while tapering down operations elsewhere to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
As previously announced, all branches of the Camden County Library System are closed. Online resources and streaming services will be provided free to all residents during this time. For more information, visit camdencountylibrary.org/.
Both campuses, Pennsauken and Gloucester, of the Camden County Technical Schools will close and implement remote learning until at least April 20. Camden County College will also transition to virtual learning following its extended spring break on March 29.
At this time, all Camden County Sheriff sales have been halted, and all evictions have been stopped. The Camden County Parks Department has also suspended all park permitting and playgrounds will remain closed.
The Camden County Pollution Control Financing Authority (PCFA), Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA), and Improvement Authority (CCIA), will close and reduce staff to essential personnel only.
As part of the emergency declaration, the Freeholder Board is asking all nonessential businesses in the county to consider voluntarily closing or modifying operations to comply with CDC social distancing recommendations.
“We acknowledge that this request is a tough pill to swallow, and we absolutely do not take that reality lightly, however sacrifices made today are necessary if we are to save lives tomorrow,” Young added.
“The science is clear – the more we restrict social interaction, the slower the spread of infection becomes, and the fewer lives ultimately lost. This has become a life or death situation and the time to act is now.”
