As we are moving forward into another season, we wanted to update you on a couple of items and ask the assistance of the members of our community
COVID-19 UPDATE
In March, April, May and June of this year, our community responded as one in flattening the curve of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Through the collective effort of every member of this community, we saw the transmission rate go from its peak of 20-25 new cases per day to 1 or 2 new cases a day. As you are aware, this was accomplished by wearing masks, social distancing and good hygiene.
Over the past month, we have seen a spike in new cases. On August 17, 2020, the County reported a total of 556 positive cases and 81 deaths in the Township. On September 17, 2020, the County reported a total of 647 cases and 82 deaths in the Township. That is an increase of 91 cases over the course of the last month. Unlike the cases in the early part of the year, where a large number of cases were associated with the long-term facilities in the Township that effected primarily the elderly and those in vulnerable health, the cases over the past month are community based and effecting a comparatively younger, healthier population. The County advises that countywide, the average age of those testing positive has dropped from 56 in June, 2020 to 49.5 as of September 15th.
As COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed we have all enjoyed a returning to some semblance of normal activities. We have had to adapt to a new post-pandemic normal and admittedly many of us have COVID-19 fatigue. As the COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed, we also have become less vigilant in implementing the routines we adopted as we flattened the curve. As a result, over the past month, we have seen things that are part of the fabric of the pre-pandemic family experience, such as family reunions or out of state travel, become accidental spreader events or result in a cluster of cases. We are excited that this weekend will see the opening of the fall sports season, which will afford 1,000 kids the chance to get out and play. However, we also are aware that these are traditionally family events where spectators sit shoulder to shoulder and enthusiastically cheer for their favorite athlete. We do not want to see a traditional family recreation program become one of those accidental spreader events.
We are asking every member of the community for their assistance and cooperation in to reincorporate the guidelines that were previously successful to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus into their daily routine:
1. Wear a mask. Pursuant to the applicable Executive Orders face coverings are required in indoor public spaces and recommended in outdoor public spaces, except when social distancing is difficult to maintain.
2. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often.
3. Practice social distancing, and
4. Stay home if you are sick.
Finally, if you happen to be unfortunate enough to test positive, please cooperate with County Health Department’s contract tracers. The information that they gather is a critical tool in preventing the spread of the virus to your families and others in the community.
If we give the virus an opportunity to spread, it will. We ask you to follow the simple guidelines above to once again limit the effect of the virus on our Community.
DEADLINE TO COMPLETE YOUR CENSUS
AND BE COUNTED IS SEPTEMBER 20, 2020
Responding to the Census is an investment in our future and our health. Based upon the latest report from the County as of September 15, 2020, 78.0% of the households in Burlington Township have self-responded to the Census. While that exceeds the statewide average of 68.3% and the Township’s self-response rate of 68.3% in 2010, we ask your support in responding to the Census. September 30th is the deadline to get EVERYONE COUNTED! Time is running out to be counted.
Census funding supports investment in hospitals, first responders, Medicare, Medicaid and much more. The Census Bureau estimates that for each person counted, our community would receive approximately $1,800/year. If that is accurate, in a town of 24,000 that means $43.2M annually and $432M over the next ten years. The higher the number counted, the greater our chances of receiving our fair share of federal dollars over the next 10 years. Our federal representation and legislative districts are directly affected by an accurate count. As you can see there's a lot at stake and a limited amount of time to finish our work.
Census Takers are now visiting households that have not yet completed their 2020 Census. But if you’d rather not have a Census Taker visit you, please fill take a few minutes and fill out the questionnaire now at 2020census.gov or by phone 844-330-2020.
For those of you who have responded, Thank You. For those waiting to the last minute, please take a few minutes over the next few days join in our community effort to make sure all are counted and respond to the Census.
Thank you in advance for your assistance and cooperation helping address these two important issues.