Covid-19 Updates for Mahwah, NJ
An update from June 4, 2021
Governor Murphy Signs Legislation and Executive Order Ending COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
TRENTON – With all COVID-19 capacity restrictions on businesses and gathering limits having been lifted due to the continued improvement of New Jersey’s public health metrics, Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation (A5820/S3866) enabling the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency that has been in place since March 9, 2020. Immediately following the signing of the legislation, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 244, ending the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Under the legislation, the majority of executive orders issued pursuant to the Public Health Emergency will expire 30 days from today.
The legislation, which was negotiated with legislative leadership and sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, allows for the termination of the Public Health Emergency while also allowing the Administration to retain the tools necessary to manage the ongoing threat posed by the pandemic. Specifically, the Administration is authorized to issue orders, directives, and waivers under the authority in the Emergency Health Powers Act that are related to vaccination efforts; testing; health resource and personnel allocation; data collection, retention, sharing, and access; coordination of local health departments; and implementation of any CDC recommendations to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. This authority lasts until January 11, 2022, and can be extended for 90 days with the passage of a concurrent resolution by the Legislature.
“Today’s lifting of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is a clear and decisive step on the path toward normalcy,” said Governor Murphy. “The past 15 months have been a challenge, and I thank every New Jerseyan who stayed home, masked up, took precautions to keep this virus in check, and got vaccinated for allowing us to get to this point. I also thank the Senate President and the Speaker for working with us to responsibly end the Public Health Emergency and meet the challenges ahead.”
The legislation keeps the following 14 executive orders in place until January 1, 2022, though they can be modified or rescinded prior to that date by the Governor:
Further, any administrative orders, directives, or waivers that relied on the existence of the public health emergency, including Department of Health orders that govern vaccinations and testing, are extended until January 11, 2022. The Governor is authorized to seek a further 90-day extension of such orders, directives, or waivers, which can be granted by a concurrent resolution passed by the Legislature.
The legislation also states that while the State of Emergency declared in Executive Order No. 103 shall remain in effect, the previous seven-day requirement for Open Public Records Act (OPRA) responses will be restored for records unrelated to the COVID-19 response. Additionally, civil and criminal immunity given to health care professionals and facilities, including long-term care facilities, and existing waivers of regulations involving staffing ratios, overtime, shifts, and vacation time will expire on September 1, 2021. Civil immunity for health care professionals shall continue beyond September 1, 2021 only for individuals specifically engaged in vaccinations or testing related to COVID-19.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 244, click here.
An update from January 15, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccination Registration
You can start the process to register for a COVID-19 Vaccination by submitting an online registration form here or by phone: 201-649-0719. After completing this form, you will be placed into the que to receive the vaccination.
New Jersey Vaccine Submission link:
An update from November 10, 2020
Governor Murphy Announces New COVID-19 Mitigation Measures
Effective Thursday, November 12
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 194, which includes new COVID-19 mitigation measures. The measures include restrictions on seating and hours for restaurants, bars, clubs, and lounges, and prohibition of interstate indoor K-12 and youth sports.
“As cases of COVID-19 increase across the country and in our state, we must take all measures necessary to stop the spread,” said Governor Murphy. “In the interest of public health, we are requiring modifications in operations for businesses that serve food and drinks, and temporarily prohibiting interstate games and tournaments for indoor K-12 sports. We must come together as a state to once again beat back this deadly virus and to save lives.”
The measures being announced today include:
Restrictions on Hours for Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Lounges, and Casinos –
Restaurants, bars, clubs, lounges, and other businesses that serve food or drinks will not be able to operate their indoor premises between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Outdoor dining can continue after 10:00 p.m., as can takeout and delivery services.
Casinos will not be able to serve food or drinks between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., with the exception of room service delivered to guest rooms and takeout. Other casino operations would be unaffected.
Restrictions on Bar Seating, Increased Flexibility for Restaurants –
Seating at the physical bar in the indoor areas of bars and restaurants will be prohibited during all operating hours.
Due to the impact this may have on restaurants with small seating areas, restaurants will be allowed to have groups at tables indoors that are closer than six feet together, if they are separated by barriers that comply with guidance from the Department of Health.
Restaurants will be allowed to set up plastic domes outdoors, limited to one group each, as additional outdoor dining space.
Restrictions on Interstate Indoor Sports Competitions –
All interstate games and tournaments involving indoor sports, up to and including the high school level, will be prohibited.
Collegiate and professional sports will be unaffected.
The measures will take effect on Thursday, November 12th, at 5:00 a.m.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 194, click here.
An update from September 2, 2020
Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Allowing the Resumption of Indoor Dining
Effective Tuesday, September 1
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 183, which establishes rules for the resumption of indoor dining on Friday, September 4 at 6:00 a.m., provided businesses comply with the health and safety standards issued by the Department of Health. The Governor’s Executive Order also contains requirements for movie theaters and other indoor entertainment businesses, where the number of patrons for a performance will be limited to 25 percent capacity, up to a maximum of 150 people.
The Governor’s Order also increases the limits for indoor gatherings that are religious services or celebrations, political activities, wedding ceremonies, funerals, or memorial services to 25 percent capacity with a maximum of 150 people, an increase from the current limit of 25 percent capacity with a maximum of 100 people. Other indoor gatherings, including house parties, remain at the limit of 25 percent capacity with a maximum of 25 people.
An update from August 27, 2020
Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Allowing Gyms and Indoor Amusement and Water Parks to Reopen
Effective Tuesday, September 1
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 181, which permits gyms and health clubs, as well as amusement and water parks, to reopen their indoor premises to the public on Tuesday, September 1 at 6:00 a.m., provided these facilities comply with the health and safety standards issued by the Department of Health.
“Gyms are among the most-challenging indoor environments to prevent the transmission of COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “Given where we are in this fight and the overwhelming personal responsibility demonstrated by gym owners and gym members over the past several months, we can confidently take this important step on our road back.”
Full Release and Executive Order
An update from August 26, 2020
Mahwah Township Public Schools Restart and Recovery Plan: 2020-2021
The Mahwah Board of Education has released their re-opening plan, which is designed to develop guidance to support our school district and community in determining strategies for reopening our schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
An update from July 8, 2020
Executive Order Requiring Individuals to Wear Masks in Outdoor Public Spaces When They Cannot Social Distance
Effective Immediately
Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 163, which requires individuals to wear face coverings in outdoor public spaces when it is not practicable to socially distance and keep a six-foot distance from others, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health, where the individual is under two years of age, or in situations where individuals cannot feasibly wear a face covering, such as when eating or drinking at outdoor dining areas.
The Order, which takes effect immediately, also reiterates New Jersey's policy of requiring face coverings in indoor spaces that are accessible to members of the public, such as retail, recreational, and entertainment businesses, areas of government buildings open to the public, and mass transit buses, trains, and stations, again with exceptions for health reasons and children under two.
An update from June 23, 2020
Executive Order 156: Increased Indoor and Outdoor Gathering Capacity Limits
Effective Immediately
Gatherings are now limited to 25% capacity of the rooms in which they will take place, with a maximum of 100 persons. Outdoor gatherings are now limited to 250 persons, and outdoor religious services and political activities will continue to have no numerical limits.
This order clarifies that for the purposes of outdoor dining, "outdoor areas" are to be defined as open air spaces without a fixed roof, besides a temporary or seasonal awning or cover.
An update from May 14, 2020
Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Allowing Beaches, Boardwalks, Lakes, and Lakeshores to Remain Open with Social Distancing Measures in Place
An update from May 1, 2020
Effective Saturday, May 2nd, Mahwah Municipal parks will reopen for passive recreation only. This includes walking, jogging, hiking, birding, biking, etc. Picnic areas, bathrooms, playgrounds, and tennis and basketball courts shall remain closed. As required by the Governor’s Executive Order the following restrictions will also be in effect:
Parking will be limited to 50% of the maximum capacity.
There will be no parking in undesignated areas or on streets in the vicinity of the parks that are posted no parking as tickets will be issued.
Picnics are prohibited.
Social distancing must be practiced except with immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.
Organized or contact activities or sports are prohibited.
It is strongly recommended that face masks or cloth face coverings be worn
Please act responsibly and follow the rules and precautions. The Twp. wants us all to be able to enjoy our parks together.
An update from April 30, 2020
Tedesco: Bergen County to Reopen Parks and Golf Courses On Saturday in Compliance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order
Residents Are Encouraged to Only Use Parks Close to Their Homes
Hackensack, N.J. – Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco has announced that he will issue an Executive Order re-opening most sites within Bergen County’s Park System and golf courses effective Saturday, May 2nd with some exceptions such as the Bergen County Zoo and the McFaul Environmental Center, which shall remain closed. Golf courses will open gradually starting with Soldier Hill and Valley Brook Golf Courses opening for play effective Saturday.
It is imperative that all CDC guidelines and social distancing practices continue to be observed. The reopening of county parks and golf courses will be in accordance with the parameters outlined in the new Executive Order 133 signed yesterday by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, indicating all state parks will reopen and that golf courses and county parks will be allowed to reopen as well.
“We are reopening Bergen County parks and golf courses this weekend but are encouraging residents to continue practicing social distancing, and to only use parks close to their homes,” said County Executive Tedesco. “Bergen County still has the most COVID-19 cases and deaths in New Jersey. But we are Bergen County STRONG, and we will get through this only if we all work together to slow the spread. We are insisting that residents who visit our parks and golf courses continue to practice social distancing and take the necessary steps to protect themselves by wearing masks and gloves, and staying home when they are not feeling well.”
Totaling nearly 9,000 acres, Bergen County boasts an exceptional park system which features a nationally accredited zoo, six golf courses, 21 parks, an environmental center and nine historic sites.
An update from April 27, 2020
State Director of Emergency Management Releases Latest Administrative Order Regarding Essential Retail Businesses
An update from April 14, 2020
Governor Murphy Releases Latest Executive Orders
An update from March 23, 2020
Governor Murphy Announces Statewide Stay at Home Order, Closure of All Non-Essential Retail Businesses.
Visit the NJ COVID-19 Information Hub to learn more and get info on many of your concerns and questions.
An update from March 19, 2020, 10:24 am
Tedesco Rescinds Executive Order Declaring State of Emergency in Bergen County At the Request of the Governor
County Executive to Host News Conference TODAY at 5:30 p.m.
Hackensack, N.J. – Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco today rescinded his Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency in the County at the request of the Governor. The County Executive will hold a news conference TODAY – March 19 – at 5:30 p.m. at Two Bergen County Plaza to discuss these recent developments and the next steps he will be taking to protect the residents, visitors and workers of Bergen County.
Revisions to the original Executive Order, 2020-1B, were sent to Governor Murphy’s office for review. As a result of discussions with the Murphy administration, EO #2020-1B will not be implemented on Saturday March 20th at 8 a.m. The Murphy Administration has stated that the only closures that could be enforced were those issued by the Governor.
Executive Order 2020-1B has never been enacted but was delayed to work with the Governor’s Office and to take the opportunity to revisit areas of the Executive Order that the County had received feedback on from the business community and the public.
County Executive Jim Tedesco will continue to lead the fight to slow the deadly spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout Bergen County.
An update from March 16, 2020
Coronavirus Precautions for Mahwah PD
All police services provided by the Mahwah Police Department will continue as normal but with a heightened sense of precaution for interactions that may expose our officers to symptoms associated with COVID-19. MPD personnel answering calls for service have been advised to ask callers if medical issues are consistent with symptoms of COVID-19 which will allow them to advise our assigned first responders. If calls for services are not medical in nature, we will also inquire if anyone in the household is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and respond accordingly. Our goal is to limit Officers to potential exposure and social interactions with the public for non-essential situations.
Out of an abundance of caution for our first responders, in all cases requiring the response of an officer we will be requesting callers meet our officers at the front door of their residence to help limit time in confined spaces. We are strongly encouraging to limit the need of an officer to take in person reports within a residence or business. We may require a report be taken telephonically by an officer when practical for minor investigations and situations. For walk-in reports at headquarters we will be taking measures to limit direct exposure in our facility to staff and have reports taken in the lobby when practical.
By adhering to these common sense precautions, you are helping us ensure that we will be there for you in your time of need throughout the duration of this pandemic.
Thank you, Mahwah Police Department
Documents / Resources
Report COVID-19 Related Fraud
There is a now a a joint federal-state task force to investigate and prosecute a wide range of misconduct arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Rumor Control and Disinformation Updates
The purpose of this link is to help the public distinguish between facts and rumors/disinformation regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The page will be updated as more information becomes available.
March 2020 Firearms Guidance
Governor Murphy Announces Aggressive Social Distancing Measures to Mitigate Further Spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey