OLD BRIDGE – Old Bridge officials reported 318 new positive COVID-19 cases over a seven-day period, which brings the total number of cases to 3,223, according to Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry in his coronavirus report on Dec. 23.
The seven-day period is from Dec 16-22. The township has lost five more residents to COVID-19, which bring the number of residents lost to 96, according to Middlesex County.
Officials have provided updated charts of the cases, including cases in long-term care facilities and cases in each ward on the township’s website.
Henry said the township is one of five coronavirus hotspots in Middlesex County on Nov. 10. He said they are working closely with state and county officials to address the concerns.
The Old Bridge business community, Old Bridge Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) Local 127 and Superior Officer Association (SOA) donated toys for children in need during the holiday season.
On Dec. 23, PBA President Vinny Galgano and SOA Secretary Sgt. Jim Ford loaded up a box truck full of toys. The toys were then sent to PRAB Inc., which is a comprehensive human services organization based in New Brunswick that offers early childhood, youth, family, and community services to more than 30,000 individuals and families annually in New Brunswick and central New Jersey.
“We understand that this has been a very challenging year for children everywhere and we want to do whatever it takes to make them happy,” Galgano said in a social media post. “The happiness and joy that these children will get from these toys/games just makes our holiday that much better.”
Recently, the Old Bridge business community came together with Mayor Owen Henry, the Township Council, Mayors Office of Economic Development, Old Bridge Business Alliance, Old Bridge, Sayreville and South Amboy Chamber of Commerce, Quality Chevrolet and All American Ford to participate in a toy drive for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.
In an effort to support and assist local businesses, the township has established a Business Advisory Committee led by the township’s Office of Economic Development, which will work directly with the township’s business community.
Indoor dining at 25% capacity began on Sept. 4. On Nov. 9, the state imposed new restrictions on all bars and restaurants to close indoor dining by 10 p.m. This does not affect outdoor dining or takeout.
Indoor limits are capped at 10. Outdoor gatherings including sports, concerts, parades and holiday events have a maximum of 25.
The Old Bridge Township Animal Shelter reopened to the public by appointment only on Aug. 3. Appointment times are from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. seven days a week. Masks will be required during appointments. To make an appointment call 732-721-5600 ext. 6300.
Curbside pickup at the Old Bridge Public Library began on June 23. Public book drops at Central Branch and the Laurence Harbor Branch are open. The Central Branch at One Old Bridge Plaza has suspended browsing appointments at this time. For more information visit oldbridgelibrary.org.
The Old Bridge Township Office of Emergency Management is still looking for supplies to support township police, fire and first aid including N95 masks, surgical masks, Tyvek suits, hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes. Anyone able to donate supplies can call OEM Deputy Coordinator Mike Petschauer at 848-565-1324 or email mpetschauer@oldbridge.com.
The Old Bridge Food Bank is seeking donations. Officials said along with food items, toiletry items are also needed. Two bins are set up outside at 1 Old Bridge Plaza for non-perishable food donations for collections on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Monetary donations in the form of checks can be mailed to Old Bridge Food Bank, 1 Old Bridge Food Bank.
For more information about COVID-19 related matters in Old Bridge, visit oldbridge.com/COVID and its social media pages.
For Middlesex County information on COVID-19 information visit discovermiddlesex.com/covid19/ or www.middlesexcountynj.gov/covid19.
