As of today, there are 131,890 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey, and a total of 8,549 COVID-related deaths. In Hunterdon County, there are 682 cases with 39 deaths. For a more detailed breakdown of statewide numbers, please refer to www.covid19.nj.gov. 

High Bridge has 18 cases. The County website, which includes COVID-19 data by municipality, now includes the number of deaths by municipality, and I remain pleased to report that there have been no COVID-related deaths in the Borough as of this writing. The County dashboard can be found at www.co.hunterdon.nj.us 

Most people know by now that schools will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Spring sports will also not resume for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year after the Governor received guidance from the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association. 

Governor Murphy today announced the extension of the public health emergency for an additional 30 days through early June at least. In the absence of a vaccine our best defense against the spread of this virus continues to be through social distancing.   

We are in the midst of a commemorative week for a few professions, and I’d like to recognize National Nurses Week, Teacher Appreciation Week, and International Firefighters Day. Thank you to ALL the nurses, teachers, and firefighters, in High Bridge and beyond, who serve such critical roles every day, and now more than ever. You are all heroes.

I would like to extend thanks to everyone in our community for the cooperation that you brought to the parks and trails this weekend. While the Commons Lot was packed, largely because of the 50% restriction placed on parking in these and other Borough park areas, our police department reports that there were no major issues. We all got to enjoy the beautiful weather and I am grateful most did their part to maintain safe social distancing. A reminder that in all open spaces within the Borough, no gatherings or picnics are allowed, and only passive recreation, i.e. walking, running, cycling, is permitted. Please also remember to discard masks and gloves appropriately when out in public. 

Weather permitting, DPW will be opening the Commons Natural Recycling Center for community brush drop-off beginning Saturday, May 16th, 9a-1p. We ask that residents wishing to utilize this service be prepared to show ID and to unload their own vehicles so we can adhere to social distancing guidelines and keep the employees safe.   

Last week Council unanimously approved extending the grace period for second quarter property taxes to June 1st. Please note, payments received after June 1 will accrue interest from the original due date of May 1st. The Homestead Benefit credits normally seen as an adjustment on the May installment, have been delayed by the State of NJ until a later date. The Property Tax Reimbursement/Senior Freeze is still available and you can visit the Borough website to complete an application.   

On a sad note, due to the current restrictions on gatherings, staffing concerns, and the likelihood that social distancing guidelines will be in place for some time, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the summer rec program. I am aware this will be terribly disappointing for our Borough kids and it saddens me to be the bearer of this news. Our Recreation Director is in the process of creating some ideas for a virtual program and more information will be forthcoming. 

Finally, I would like to once again extend my sincerest thanks to our Borough Staff, DPW, 1st responders, and YOU for the cooperation, resilience, and overall neighborliness I have witnessed during this challenging time. It takes a village and we have a great one!

Update: April 8, 2020

Shortly after sending our PSA email last night we learned the County is closing the Columbia Trail.  The Commons lot will be closed, available to permit holders only.

Additionally, after much discussion and in light of the Governor’s Executive Order, we will  close the Nassau/Springside trails in an effort to stave off excessive crowding here as other parks and trails around the state close.

By all accounts these next few weeks will be extremely difficult as we reach the peak of this outbreak and none of these decisions have been made lightly. The priority continues to be the health and well-being of everyone in our community.

Signed Mayor Michele I. Lee
Click here for signed Administrative Order 2020-2 Advisement

As of today, there are 75,317 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey, and a total of 3,518 COVID-related deaths. In Hunterdon County, there are 373 cases with 15 deaths. For a more detailed breakdown of statewide numbers, please refer to www.covid19.nj.gov.

High Bridge has 11 cases, and I am pleased to report that as of this writing there are have been no COVID-related deaths in the Borough.

Governor Murphy today announced the extension of the Stay-At-Home order until May 15^th. Schools will also be closed at least until May 15^th.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) announced on Monday a series of initiatives to get unemployment claims processed more quickly. These changes include upgrading computer technology, adding personnel, and boosting phone capacity to deal with the tremendous demand. Information can be found at:  www.myunemployment.nj.gov.

Thank you to all who tuned into my first ever Mix It Up with the Mayor Facebook Live event this past Saturday! While it could never replace the coffee meet-ups I have enjoyed monthly with residents, it was a great opportunity to re-connect with some of the regular attendees and engage those who have not had the chance to join one of my informal chats.  I hope to schedule another one of these events soon. My Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/MayorMicheleLee/.

Our next Council meeting will be on April 23^rd at 7:30 pm and will again be held via WebEx. The agenda and log-in instructions will be emailed and posted to the Borough website early next week. Once again, I would like to thank everyone for their patience and resilience during these unprecedented times. Every decision that has been made is with the best interest of our community. Wishing everyone continued good health as we get through yet another week of staying at home. We can do this!

Contact Info: Michele Menditto
Email: mmenditto@co.hunterdon.nj.us

To All Somerset/Hunterdon County Healthcare Providers:

The Somerset County Department of Health and the Hunterdon County Health Department have partnered to offer a COVID-19 drive-thru testing location. The information is as follows:

Who: Open to all COVID-19 SYMPTOMATIC Somerset and Hunterdon County Residents

How: Symptomatic residents can schedule an appointment here: https://somerset-hunterdon.adlabscovidtest.com/ A Physician’s prescription is required (a paper copy) and must be provided at the testing site. An electronic prescription can be substituted with an order on letterhead with the following information:

• patient name
• DOB
• Physician’s name
• Physicians NPI number
• Physician’s address
• Physician’s phone number
• Physician’s fax

A drivers license or government issued ID will also be required at the testing site.

Diagnostic Information: The test will be a nasal swab. Accurate Diagnostic Labs will send patient results to the ordering physician. This information will also be entered into CDRSS.

Where: Raritan Valley Community College – 118 Lamington Rd, Branchburg, NJ 08876 (Route 22 Campus Drive entrance)

When: Thursday April 16th, Friday April 17th and Monday April 20th. Between the hours of 10:00am-1:00pm. Additional dates may be added if more test kits and PPE can be acquired.

Instructions/FAQs for what can be expected at the testing site can be found here: https://www.co.somerset.nj.us/Home/ShowDocument?id=37503

For questions please call the testing site information line at 908-237-7150.