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MAYOR'S UPDATE:
FEBRUARY 4
Thanks to everyone who joined us, both in person and virtually, for last night’s panel discussion on disrupting hate. I am very grateful to the Human Relations Advisory Commission and the MLK Association of Westfield for hosting this timely conversation about the role each of us can play to ensure Westfield is a place where diversity is not only tolerated, but embraced as an asset that makes our community stronger. As all of the panelists noted, this forum was a first step to ensure that our town is one where all feel welcome, included, and valued.
On the COVID front, the numbers continue to be encouraging as the Omicron surge further recedes. The state’s seven-day average for new confirmed positive tests is down 50% from a week ago and 88% from a month ago, representing the lowest rate in nearly two months, and hospitalizations statewide are down 60% from the most recent peak on January 11. However, the number of confirmed deaths in New Jersey in the month of January was 2,380 – the most in a month since May 2020. So while we’re absolutely trending in the right direction, let’s not overlook the ongoing impact of this virus. Please continue to mask up in public places and get boosted if you have not already done so. Going forward, we’ll shift to reporting local case numbers on a monthly basis unless other notable trends emerge that warrant more frequent updates.
As a reminder, the Town Council meets on Tuesday, and I look forward to a productive session with input from the public. Based on current trends, we do anticipate this being the last virtual meeting for the foreseeable future, with an expected return to in-person attendance at the February 22 meeting.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
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COVID-19
According to the New Jersey Department of Health, all six regions in the state are showing high levels of activity, down from very high levels in previous weeks. Rates of transmission and positivity rates continue to decline.
For the month of January, there were 976 cases identified in Westfield (down from 1,107 in December), 383 (39%) of which were in those age 19 and younger – including 103 under age five, 12 of which were infants – and 89 cases in those age 65 and above.
Six residents were hospitalized this month, ranging in age from 29 to 79. And, sadly, there were two fatalities in individuals aged 85 and 90.
Statewide, vaccination rates have decreased by 16% from last week’s rate, with an average of 25K doses administered per day. More than 6.6 million New Jersey residents are fully vaccinated, and more than 2.8 million have received third doses or boosters.
Locally, 58% of children age 5-11 in Westfield have received at least one dose of vaccine (up from 53% last month), and booster doses received by age are as follows:
Age 12-15: 25%
Age 16-17: 41%
Age 18-29: 55%
Age 30-49: 67%
Age 50-64: 70%
Age 65-79: 79%
Age 80+: 78%
Additional breakdowns of vaccination statistics by location and age group can be found on the NJ COVID-19 Dashboard.
The Health Department’s immunization outreach continues with all three brands of vaccine, with numerous clinics held during January. In total, they administered 613 COVID vaccinations during the month (down from 2,135 individuals vaccinated during December). They are offering vaccinations in home and in the office for those age five and above, and any resident interested in receiving the vaccine can call 908-789-4070. All residents over the age of 12 who are five months past their last dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two months past their dose of J&J, are highly encouraged to get a booster dose, as recommended by the CDC.
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POLICE UPDATE
Arrests from Stolen Vehicle Attempts
I’d like to address the extraordinary work of the Westfield Police Department yesterday in apprehending five individuals who struck an unmarked police car while fleeing town after a series of attempted car thefts. These individuals fled on foot and subsequently injured three of our officers when confronted before being placed under arrest – the youngest of whom was just twelve years old. You can read the entire press release with full details on our website.
I, like all of you, am grateful that our officers’ injuries were minor in nature. They were very lucky. I also share the frustration expressed by many about some of the state-level criminal justice policies that are not, in my opinion, working in the best interest of our law enforcement officers as they continue to put themselves in harm’s way for the protection of our community. I’m very angry that these serial criminals are allowed to recommit crimes without consequence. I have been in touch with other local mayors, as well as with Senator Jon Bramnick, to enlist their assistance in advocating for legislative action to address the underlying issues that are enabling this repeat criminal behavior. We simply must do more to ensure that our police force has the policy tools at their disposal to keep repeat criminals off the streets.
Crossing Guard Posts
As I mentioned last week, several new crossing guards were recently hired by ACMS, our crossing guard management company, all of whom have now completed their training. With these new additions and the lower COVID-related staffing shortages, we’re pleased to restore all crossing posts beginning Monday, February 7. We will of course continue to reassess post coverage each week based on available personnel, and will communicate any future changes if necessary. We appreciate everyone’s patience over these last few weeks as we weathered these pandemic-driven staffing shortages similar to many sectors of the workforce.
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS
The Westfield Community Center and Westfield Neighborhood Council will celebrate Black History month on Friday, February 25 at the Shady Rest Golf and Country Club – the first black-owned and African American golf and country club in the United States – with an event that includes dinner, speakers, tributes, and live entertainment. Tickets can be purchased through the Community Center or Neighborhood Council.
The Westfield Memorial Library, in collaboration with the Friends of the Library, will host The African American History Project presented by the Martin Luther King Association of Westfield on Wednesday, February 16 at 7:00 PM. This in-library program will present the details and visuals of the influence and significance of African Americans in Westfield, including slavery, the Black Professional Zone, Civic Associations, and the African American residential community in Brightwood Park. Registration is available on the library’s website.
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WESTFIELD SCHOOLS SEEKING INPUT
The Westfield Public School District is seeking input on ways to improve communication as part of its District Goals for 2021-2022. This survey is for parents/guardians and community members to provide honest feedback on what works and what they can improve upon.
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