Press Release

NEW JERSEY – Protecting our residents for the extended length of time coronavirus (Covid-19) is predicted to be a threat to our health and giving us the opportunity to safely open up our cities for business requires a sustained and enhanced community response. This plan strengthens and adapts the existing emergency management structure already in place in cities, better equipping them for a robust long-term response to Covid-19 and proposes using the lessons learned to update and expand emergency management plans and training to be better prepared for future pandemics.

It centers around expanding, training and employing Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) or their equivalents that are already in place in most cities and towns to provide needed ‘boots on the ground” for a more effective Covid-19 response.

The plan components outlined below will be tailored to each individual city.

Plan Components:

• Employing CERT members as contact tracers:  Coordinating with local health departments charged with contact tracing, interested CERT members will be enlisted in performing this essential function.  Tracking down all close contacts that were exposed to someone who tests positive for Covid-19 and ensuring that they are notified and isolated is an evidence-based public health strategy that experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins University, consider fundamental to slowing the spread of the virus once we stop sheltering in place.  There is a shortage in most communities through- out the nation–a shortage that can be alleviated by enlisting CERT members. This work is mainly done over the phone and the training is accessible remotely.

• Distributing masks to areas in need:  CERT members will be used to distribute masks, prioritizing the parts of the community where the highest percentage of people have the highest exposure.  Bandanas of suitable material that can be easily re-used with the city logo or a city sports team logo on it to build community spirit and solidarity will be provided.

• Food delivery for quarantined, older, and low-income residents:    CERT members will assist in food delivery for quarantined, older and low-income residents, plugging in to existing community food delivery initiatives wherever possible.

• Expanding CERTs:  A community-wide effort will be launched to recruit new CERT members.  High school seniors will be provided the opportunity to become Jr. CERT members.

• Form a Corona Control Task Force:  To ensure consistent and saturation level communication with residents and businesses, a Corona Control Task Force will be established comprised of the mayor, council president, school superintendent, hospital CEO, Director of the Housing Authority (or their designees) and the Director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).  Leaders from the faith-based and non-profit community may also be added by the OEM. The Task Force will be responsible for ensuring that all communications concerning standardized health protocols and CERTs recruitment going out to the community are continually reinforced with sufficient repetition that they are driven home.

• Set standardized community health protocols for individuals and businesses:  Coordinating with the mayor and council, emergency management officials together with the CERT team will set standard health protocols for individuals and businesses to ensure that a consistent and amply reinforced message about best practices is sent to better ensure adherence. (See below for examples of personal health care protocols).

• Establish a Coronavirus Relief Fund:   In order to pay for any of the marginal costs associated with this plan, including masks, communication materials and CERTs support, cities and towns will establish a relief fund.  Crowd-funding can be used to raise the necessary dollars.

• Update community emergency management plans to prepare for future pandemics: Employing the lessons learned during the coronavirus pandemic, communities will update their emergency management plans to be better prepared for future epidemics.

Examples Attachment:

1. To avoid getting the virus, follow these simple steps:

-Wear a mask when going to the supermarket or on any errand outside the home

-Practice social distancing when you leave your house

-Stay home if you are feeling sick except to seek medical attention

2. Keeping safe at home, practice the following:

-Clean frequently touched items and surfaces daily with soap and water

-Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and then discard the tissue