On Monday, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 102 establishing the Coronavirus Task Force. The task force chaired by the Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli will coordinate all State efforts to appropriately prepare for and respond to the public health hazard posed by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). In addition, the task force, which includes various state departments, will continue to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health partners to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Newark Liberty International Airport will serve as one of eleven major airports in the United States authorized to receive flights from China that require enhanced entry screening for coronavirus. Therefore, the task force will also coordinate the State’s partnership with the Federal government and Newark Liberty International Airport to ensure effective communications and dissemination of information and coordinate with hospitals and other health care facilities to manage preparations for the possible treatment of patients demonstrating coronavirus symptoms or risks.
As part of the preparedness activities, the Murphy Administration has launched a webpage with resources including travel updates and advisories and guidance sent to health care providers, local health departments, infection prevention experts, and other health partners. The Administration has also opened a free 24-hour hotline (1-800-222-1222) for the public to ask questions about the Coronavirus.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Senior Legislative Analyst, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x112.
