RESIDENTS COUNTING ON FOOD RETAILERS TO URGE CUSTOMERS & STAFF TO ADHERE TO COVID-19 SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES
April 7, 2020
COVID-19 Testing at Ocean County College on April 13th cancelled
April 13, 2020Every April the public health community observes National Public Health Week
(NPHW) with a variety of messages and themes promoting new goals, fresh ideas and to
recognize the dedicated and hard-working professionals who help contribute to making the world
a safer and healthier place. It’s only appropriate that this year’s observance is during one of the
most challenging public health crisis in history.
“During this current pandemic we can appreciate the role public health plays in our lives and to
appreciate the dedicated people who are working on the front lines and behind the scenes,”
explains Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health
Coordinator/Health Officer. “From day one of the COVID-19 outbreak to most recently at the
drive thru testing site, the spirit of cooperation and community by the nurses and staff from
Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJ Barnabas Healthcare System, the first responders from the
Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the Red Cross blood drive staff, epidemiologists,
researchers and all the other crucial support staff from our public health partners across Ocean
County and statewide should be recognized during NPHW 2020.”
“A big part of public health is being prepared for the unknown,” explains Ocean County
Freeholder Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “More than 1,600
residents have been tested for the COVID-19 virus at Ocean County College in the last 2 weeks
with another 3 days scheduled for April 13, 15 and 17th. We appreciate all the hard work and
personal sacrifices by the dedicated public health professionals working the drive thru site.”
Nearly 4,000 residents have reached out to the OCHD COVID-19 Information Call Line with
questions and concerns including a large portion coming from older adults.
“With the news surrounding the coronavirus changing almost daily and our large senior
community at high risk, the OCHD recognized people were going to need somewhere to turn
with questions, concerns and seeking guidance,” explains Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari,
Chairman of Senior Services and County Operations.
Whether the role includes protecting people from the coronavirus, substance abuse prevention,
advocating for mental health, quality education or a clean environment – the public health
community is dedicated to serving our residents today and in the future.
For more information regarding COVID-19, visit www.ochd.org. The OCHD has also set up a
COVID Information Call Line for residents and clinicians to answer questions regarding the
coronavirus. The number is 732-341-9700 ext. 7411.
You can also call the NJDOH hotline available around the clock for questions at 1-800-222-1222
or dial 2-1-1.
Additional information can be found at:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at
https:/ /www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/summary.html
or New Jersey Department of Health website at:
https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml .
