Mayor Kenneth Palmer and Chief Lisa Parker wish to report that on Friday, March 13, 2020, the Manchester Township Police Department was notified by the Ocean County Health Department of a ‘presumptive positive’ case of COVID-19 involving one of our residents. According to Health Department officials, a 72-year-old, Manchester resident had tested positive for the COVID –19 novel coronavirus on Friday. The resident was transported to a local hospital earlier in the week by EMTs from the township’s Emergency Medical Services after they, along with a Manchester police officer, responded to a residence for a first aid call.
In accordance with Health Department protocols, notification of the ‘presumptive positive’ was reported so that those first responders involved in the care and transportation of the patient could be notified and appropriate action taken. Both the police officer and the EMTs who dealt with the patient are currently in self-quarantine in accordance with guidance provided by our Medical Director and Township Administrators. Although none of our employees are showing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, these employees were placed on leave out of an abundance of caution.
Prior to today, routine daily decontamination procedures for apparatus, equipment, common areas and works spaces were in place and these procedures will continue in earnest going forward. Despite this, again out of an abundance of caution, all work areas within the EMS and Police Building were professionally cleaned and decontaminated on Friday evening by a company specializing in such work.
Additionally, beginning Monday, March 16th, several officers will be available Monday thru Friday between 7:00 am and 5 pm to take reports over the phone for calls that do not require evidence to be collected, an on-scene investigation to be conducted, or otherwise require an officer to respond to the scene. Residents having incident’s meeting the above criteria are encourage to utilize this service. The goal of this temporary procedure is to help cut down on unnecessary contact with individuals as a means of reducing in-person contact and mitigating the risks associated with person-to-person transmission of novel coronavirus. We feel that because our officers interact with many people throughout the day, having them unnecessarily interact with residents, many of which are considered ‘vulnerable’, is a prudent and judicious approach to limiting a possible exposure.
Both the police department and township administration are committed to doing everything possible to keep our residents and our personnel safe while meeting the public safety needs of the community.
Too close to home.
Donna Deluzio
Rocco Franzoso I saw this. Prayers for everyone involved.
Kassandra Maliff
But the superintendent doesn’t want to close schools unless forced to by the state, county, board of health etc.
We have a member of our community infected. This man could be a child’s grandfather or a teacher’s father. What about the cops and EMT’s who were exposed? Who are they related to that may or may not be connected to our school system?
At this point, since it’s in Manchester, it’s very irresponsible for the superintendent to keep schools open!
Laura Michelle all schools are closed. And all workers who helped thst man are under quarantine for 14 days
Laura Michelle Tom’s river schools just closed till the 27th, I’m sure Manchester will follow
Manchester schools are closed as of 3/16.
Victoria Cambridge yes I got the call about 10 minutes ago!
Barnegat is closed Monday. Board meeting that afternoon to stay closed until April 20th (planned spring break included in time)
Laura Michelle from what was explained to me, if the schools close without the BOE approval, then the school year needs to be extended. If they shut down with higher up approval then the home school counts as part of the 180 days. That was explained in an email from the Brick township schools, I would assume it applies to all towns.
Deborah Debby I’m sure it does apply to all districts, but with it being announced last night that we had a case in Manchester and a few exposures I don’t think the risk is worth the reward so to speak
Laura Michelle I agree 110% with you!!!
Schools are closed
Samantha Lang
Presumptive? It’s a big ol fat positive at this point.
PRESUMABLY?
Terry Hanlon Hills No…… PRESUMPTIVE! Presumably is an entirely different word
Sharon Lynn Huber lol
Did he actually test positive? Or is it still presumptive at this point?
Christine Shecton presumptive positive. Only because he was tested at the hospital and came back positive.
It doesn’t “count” until the CDC tests and that test says positive.
Sharon Lynn Huber ah ok
DEFINITION OF PRESUMPTIVE
Beth Lane guarentee that definition is not going to help.
I’m shocked at how many people didn’t know what it means. Especially what a presumptive positive test is.
So whoever this individual bumped into should be checked out, no?
Emt and police need protection when they go to a sick call now they r exposed
Pete Zito they’re all self quarantined
Lol
I’m a vendor at the Manchester Shoprite. I wish they would tell us where he could have been prior to him going to the hospital. This is crazy
Morgan Violet Paglione they will trace his steps and noticed everyone who needs to be notified
Morgan plus the days in between the man going to the hospital through yesterday when the test came back positive… that police officer and EMTs were out and about too. Hopefully they test them as well!
Hope he will be well soon
Hope the gentleman recovers. It’s creeping closer and that’s concerning.