If you use social media, you may follow some of the LBI, shore-focused groups, that usually provide info and updates about what goes on, people posting pictures, generally positive stuff.  Until COVID-19 appeared.  Now some of these pages and groups are filled with messages fueling a “us vs them” mentality.  Some comments are taking a stance that if you are not a full-time resident on the island, you should stay away. Civility and friendliness be damned.  This note is not about that. It’s about providing information. 

The Governor is holding daily press conferences, with key administration officials, providing updates on the latest measures being taken to address this virus.  These updates are carried by local TV news and on Facebook Live. Search for “Governor Phil Murphy” on Facebook and you can see the entire press event.

The NJ Department of Health’s website (https://www.nj.gov/health) has an interactive dashboard that provides the latest county by county numbers as well as other state-level actions being taken.  The dashboard is usually updated daily around the time of the Governor’s press conference.

FEMA maintains a rumor control page to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Learn more at https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control.

Th NJ State Police (https://www.njsp.org) and the NJ Office of Emergency Management (http://www.ready.nj.gov) websites and Facebook pages are sources you may want to review.

The latest (3/20/2020 at 6:27pm) from Long Beach Township:

“As the Covid-19 pandemic evolves we expect the governor to impose further restrictions on travel and services. Many individuals are taking this opportunity to spend this time in the Long Beach Island area. We are strongly recommending that you remain in your primary service area and DO NOT relocate to the shore area. Be mindful if you do travel you will not have access to your local health care providers with a better appreciation of your medical history. Furthermore, the local health care and other emergency services are not equipped to handle a mass influx of demand which will likely overwhelm the system. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

Regards,

Joseph Lattanzi MD
Past President of Southern Ocean Medical Center
Commissioner of Long Beach Township

With endorsement of Long Beach Township Commissioners”

So, take a deep breath. Look after your family, friends, and neighbors.  Follow the guidelines. Stay safe. Stay healthy. We are looking forward to seeing you when we can.

Bill Walsh, President
On Behalf of the NBTA Trustees