November 16, 2020
COVID UPDATE #46

Dear Resident,

Governor Murphy announced two Executive Orders instituting new statewide COVID-19 mitigation measures.  As has been our objective, we work to ensure that Marlboro businesses and residents stay informed and have the opportunity to access programs which may be of assistance.  Please take a moment to review the following:

Restrictions on indoor dining and interstate tournaments, are effective Thursday, November 12, 2020, Executive Order 194:  

  • No indoor dining between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM at restaurants, bars, clubs and lounges.
  • Outdoor dining, takeout and delivery services may continue after 10:00 PM.
  • All indoor bar-side seating prohibited.
  • Restaurants may place tables closer than six feet ONLY if separated by barriers.
  • Individual, fully-enclosed dining bubbles may be set up for outside use (limited to one group each, no more than eight individuals at one time and the structure must be cleaned and sanitized between groups. 
  • All interstate games and tournaments involving indoor sports, up to and including the High School level, is prohibited. 
  • Collegiate and professional sports will be unaffected. 

Today, Governor Murphy announced an Executive Order retightening restrictions on gatherings:

  • Effective, November 17, indoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
  • Effective November 23, outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 150 people.
  • Gatherings of religious services/celebrations, political events, weddings, funerals/memorial services, and performances may continue under the current rules – 25% of a room’s capacity up to 150 people.
  • Indoor sports practices or competitions will be allowed to exceed the 10-person limit only for individuals necessary such as players, coaches and referees.  Where those individuals exceed 10 people, spectators will not be permitted. 

Business Outdoor Dining Permits - We regard our business community as essential to our status as a premier place to live, work and raise a family.  For that reason, on May 24, 2020, I signed Executive Order 2020-05 allowing restaurants to apply for a free, temporary permit to expand existing or create outdoor dining areas.  Businesses that would like to continue/begin/expand outdoor dining should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PPE Discounts - Available to business or non-profits through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s program. Please click HERE for more. 

Health Insurance Open Enrollment – Enroll though Get Covered NJ, the official state health insurance marketplace.  If you lost employer coverage or income, you may be able to enroll now and financial assistance may be available.  For more, visit the website https://www.nj.gov/getcoverednj/

COVID-19 Testing and Stats

As of this afternoon:

  • New Jersey reported 2,232 new positive cases, 281,493 cumulative total cases and 14,779 deaths.  In four days, the state has increased its cumulative total by 14,566. 
  • Monmouth County reports 141 new positive cases today and 16,835 total cumulative cases.
  • Marlboro Township has 5 new cases today, 931 total cumulative cases; an increase of 66 positive tests this week. Of the cumulative cases, 768 have been cleared, meaning that 158 are currently positive. 

Testing Locations: Monmouth County will offer free COVD-19 testing for County residents at locations that allow tests to be administered inside and outside, depending on the weather. Residents should note the clinic has 150 tests and once those are administered, the clinic will close for the day.

The schedule this week is as follows:

  • Tuesday, Nov. 17 in Red Bank from 4 to 7 p.m., Pilgrim Baptist Church, 172 Shrewsbury Ave.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 18 in Asbury Park from 4 to 7 p.m., Asbury Park Transportation Center, 1 Municipal Plaza
  • Thursday, Nov. 19 in Keansburg from 9 a.m. to noon, New Point Comfort Firehouse, 192 Carr Ave.
  • Saturday, Nov. 21 in Freehold from 9 a.m. to noon, Freehold Borough Fire Department (Main Building), 49 W. Main St.

Testing Locations throughout the State: Click HERE.  

Stay Informed: Covid Alert NJ is New Jersey’s free and secure mobile app that anonymously alerts users if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive.  https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/app

The second wave of the pandemic has arrived.  I know we are tired, but I am asking residents to please practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask.  We will get through this together. 

Mayor Jon Hornik