Moorestown Council was joined by a guest at its virtual meeting on May 18.
Speaking remotely, Burlington County Freeholder Linda Hynes gave council an update on how the township is faring compared to the county and how the latter is prepared to help residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Certainly, Moorestown has been one of our harder hit townships, and we feel for all of you,” Hynes said.
She explained that as of Sunday, May 17, Moorestown had 232 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Moorestown is home to five long-term care facilities, and the long-term care cases make up 63 percent of the 232 confirmed cases.
Mayor Nicole Gillespie commented that two of Moorestown’s five facilities were pilot programs for universal testing of their staff and residents. She asked Hynes if the county will communicate with them when the mandate for all facilities to perform universal testing goes into effect, as more testing will mean a rise in cases for the township.
“I expect we’ll see an uptick,” Gillespie said.
Hynes said she wasn’t certain when that testing will go into effect.
Burlington County is now expanding testing to people who are asymptomatic. Any resident can be tested at the Emergency Services Training Center behind Burlington County Institute of Technology – Westampton Campus off Woodlane Road.
Testing takes place on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. by appointment. Residents can call (609)726-7097 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to make an appointment.
Hynes explained that the county is also working on initiatives for small business owners.
“The county is very committed to helping the small businesses within our borders,” she noted.
The county will run social media promos highlighting small businesses on its Facebook page. Any owner who would like his or her business highlighted can send a message to the Burlington County NJ Facebook page.
The county’s Department of Economic Development also offers a small loan program that is still open and available to business owners. Hynes said the department is currently waiving application fees and expediting the approval process.
The freeholder also said the Burlington County Farmers Market in Moorestown will open for the season on Saturday, May 23, but the market will look a bit different given the current state guidelines.
The market will operate at half capacity, and both visitors and vendors are required to wear a covering over the nose and mouth. The market will sell fresh fruits, vegetables and pre-packaged food, but unlike in previous years, there will be no musical entertainment or live cooking demonstrations.
Hynes encouraged residents to check out the county’s website at www.co.burlington.nj.us for more information on testing, small business loans or the farmers market.
