Media Release
Contact FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin C. Rabago, Sr.
(856) 455-3230 Ext 225
BRIDGETON CANCELS LIBRARY, KIDSFEST, URGES CAUTION FROM
COVID-19 VIRUS
After talking with staff, conferring with local health
officials, and reviewing ongoing guidance from the New Jersey Health
Department, Bridgeton Mayor Albert Kelly decided it was in the best interests
of employees and residents to cancel activities and programs at the Public
Library and in City Park, specifically the May 2nd KidsFest.
“The situation with COVID-19 is evolving rapidly and
things seem to be changing almost hourly and we thought it better to avoid
gatherings of this type in general rather than have employees, residents, and
visitors potentially exposed to this virus” said Kelly.
As for the longer term, whether July 4th
fireworks, opening the Splash Park, or activities such as Zoo camp, City
Officials will await whatever guidance might be forthcoming from state health
officials and act in line with such guidance. For all of that though, the
wheels of government grind on in the form of City Council meetings.
“While some communities have the ability to live-stream
their public meetings, we will have in-person meetings in order to do the
people’s business. Fortunately, the number of people attending is usually not
that much, so that keeps the potential risk lower than if it were a large
audience and a full room” said Kelly.
Except for the cancelled activities, City government
carries on with business as usual for the time being, but there is the very
real sense, for elected officials and employees alike, that they’re all in
unchartered waters when it comes to COVID-19 and its potential impacts.
“Making plans and preparing for the impacts from this
virus is difficult because no one can say how long those impacts will last or
how deep they will go. The task at hand involves serving the public while also
protecting employees and residents. It is a difficult balancing act but one Council
President Bethea and I are committed to getting right.” Kelly said.
For the time being, Kelly and Council colleagues are
urging residents to use their best judgement when deciding whether or not to go
to church services or other gatherings. “It is a time for caution, especially
for older residents and those with underlying health conditions and I would
urge people to err on the side of caution” said Kelly.
# # #
To learn more about the City of Bridgeton, please visit
www.cityofbridgeton.com
Use anonymous TIP411 Text Service to report
crime by texting “Bridgeton” plus your tip to 847411