Message from Mayor Josh Losardo | 3/16/21

On March 9, Scotch Plains will join the rest of the state in marking the one-year anniversary of a “state of emergency” in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. It is certainly a solemn moment, in which we should remember so much that has been lost over the past year.

Since the pandemic began, there have been 1,329 COVID positive cases and 22 deaths in Scotch Plains. I join many in our community who continue to mourn this tragedy. Yet this is also a time for hope. This week, we learned the number of reported cases in our township has decreased for the first time in seven months. According to figures from the Rahway Regional Health Department, there were 179 positive cases in Scotch Plains in February, down significantly from January's figure of 270.  

As we take the first few gentle steps beyond this pandemic and a return to normalcy, we have decided to resume meetings at Town Hall, with in-person council meetings for up to 14 attendees. Our next meeting is 6 p.m. on March 16. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Meetings will also be broadcast on FIOS Channel 22 and Comcast Channel 34 and on Facebook, for those who prefer to attend the meetings from home.  

We look forward to scheduling more public events if the infection rates continue to decline. I am hopeful that residents eligible for the vaccine schedule an appointment, as we all continue to wear masks, stay socially distanced and regularly wash hands.  For the latest coronavirus information, please visit www.ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

Thank you,