Dear Neighbors,

I am happy to report that since my last posting about Covid-19 cases in Highland Park we have had no new cases reported. The total number of positive cases reported to date remains at 158. Thank you to all Highland Park residents who have been wearing their masks in public, washing their hands regularly, and observing 6’ of distance from one another. You have helped make this report of no new cases since last week possible.

Here is some data that breaks down the reported cases in Highland Park: 53% of all confirmed cases are males. 47% are females. The average age of all confirmed cases is 51 years old.

The breakdown of cases by Highland Park neighborhoods is: Northside 26%; Southside 59%; Triangle 14%; Unknown 1%. These findings are consistent with our population densities by neighborhood.

Despite the fact that there are happily no new cases to report this week, please do not think that we are over this pandemic in Highland Park. We cannot let our guards down. Please continue to observe smart and safe protocols. We know that masks DO make a difference. Wear a mask in public to avoid to avoid being unprotected when less than 6’ of distance from others. Continue to wash your hands regularly. And, of course, observe 6’ of social distance from one another.

Thank you.

Gayle Brill Mittler, Mayor
Borough of Highland Park

Dear Neighbors,

The County has informed me of 3 additional new confirmed Coronavirus cases in Highland Park since last week. This brings the total number of reported cases to-date up to 158. I want to thank all of our residents who have been wearing face masks in public and observing social distancing for their help in curtailing the spread of the virus in Highland Park.

Dear Neighbors:

I am happy to report that the number for confirmed positive Covid-19 cases from Highland Park remains at 153, according to the latest information I have from Middlesex County. And, thankfully, there have been no new deaths reported. That is in no small part due to your diligence in maintaining social distancing, washing your hands frequently, and wearing masks. I thank you all for that.

Sadly, too many other states in the country are battling increases in newly confirmed cases of Covid-19. I am asking any residents returning to Highland Park for the spring and summer months, or visitors from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah or Washington State to follow the guidelines issued today by Governor Murphy. He is "asking" people from high-infection states to "do the right thing for themselves as well as their families and communities." That “ask” is a 14 day self-quarantine.

I join Governor Murphy in asking anyone in Highland Park who returns from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah or Washington State to PLEASE think of your neighbors and relatives. PLEASE self-quarantine for two weeks.

Your neighbors and friends who have spent their winter and early spring in Highland Park have worked hard to contain the spread of this virus through diligence and distancing.

As things continue to open up here, let’s keep these numbers of new cases down in Highland Park. Keep washing your hands frequently. Keep wearing your masks. And, keep 6’ of social distance.

Thank you.

Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler

Dear Neighbors

Middlesex County has just advised me that we have one new confirmed case of Coronavirus in Highland Park today. This brings us to a total of 152 cases year-to-date.

Clearly, the number of new reported cases in Highland Park has plateaued. I want to thank you for your diligence. However, we must remain careful to prevent another spike in cases. As we begin to reopen I urge you to continue wearing your masks in public. And, please maintain a distance of 6’ between your family and others.

Together, as one caring community, enjoying all that Highland Park offers in a safe and healthy environment, we will move forward. Look for new outdoor tables at our restaurants, and new, partially shut down streets for Town Tables. We’ll gather in safe groups, masked and at least 6’ apart.

Stay diligent. Stay 6’ apart. Stay masked. Stay healthy and strong.

Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler

Dear Neighbors-

We have seen a steady leveling off of newly reported cases of Covid-19 in Highland Park over the last few weeks. It appears that new cases in our borough peeked in the weeks from mid-to-late April, with a steady decline in weekly reported cases since May 2nd. To date, the County has reported a total of 147 confirmed cases in Highland Park.

Dear Neighbors

This weekend the County has reported to me a total number year-to-date of 144 confirmed Covid-19 cases for Highland Park. Sadly, we also had a total of 8 virus related deaths year-to-date. May the lives we lost be a blessing to all who knew them.

Good Afternoon Neighbors-

Thank you to everyone who is staying at home, maintaining their social distancing (6 feet or more), wearing masks to protect others (and yourself) with whom you might inadvertently come in contact, and wearing gloves when shopping.

As of this evening, Wednesday May 6th, Highland Park has 131 total confirmed cases of Coronavirus to-date. The numbers are broken down to 67 males and 64 females. There are six total COVID-19 related deaths in Highland Park.

I realize that there are limitations with the statistics gathered by the County. Still, I know we all value some measure of where we stand.

If we continue to act carefully, I know we will soon return to a full sense of community. We'll get there!

Please take care,

Gayle Brill Mittler, Mayor
Borough of Highland Park

Good afternoon neighbors-

This weekend the County parks that surround Highland Park will be opening per the Governor’s executive order. Parks will be available for bicycling, walking, running, and dog walking. Please keep in mind that there are still restrictions in place at these parks. Playgrounds, dog parks, tennis courts, picnic areas, basketball courts, and baseball/soccer fields will remain closed.

We have some lovely weather ahead for the next few days. Take advantage of our beautiful parks but please keep your health, and your neighbors’ health, in mind. Above all, you should wear a face mask (pre-made or homemade) whenever you leave your home and keep at least six feet of social distance from others.

Our Farmers’ Market opened in limited fashion today. Orders had to be pre-placed and only automobile pick-up is allowed. Cars for pick-up are routed from the entrance to the parking lot on Magnolia Street. Please go to the Main Street Highland Park Facebook page or website for details on ordering for future Farmers’ Market days.

As of last night’s information from Middlesex County, from 4/24 through 4/30 Highland Park had 19 new confirmed cases of Covid-19. According to the County, this brings the total confirmed Highland Park cases y-t-d to 114. Sadly, there are five confirmed deaths amongst them. We offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished from this disease. And we pray for the complete and prompt recovery of anyone who has contracted this awful illness.

Please stay safe & stay healthy. Wear gloves when shopping and dispose of them properly afterwards. Wear a mask when you leave your home. And continue to wash your hands frequently.

Thank you.
Gayle Brill Mittler, Mayor
Borough of Highland Park

Today, Governor Murphy introduced his 6 stage plan for the Road Back after Covid-19. It is based on 6 principles, the first of which, "Demonstrating sustained reductions in cases and hospitalizations", must be met before any progress can be made.

WE have the power to make this happen. Continue doing the right thing for your own health, your loved ones and your neighbors. Stay home if/when you can. Wear a mask. Wear gloves when shopping. Wash your hands often. Keep 6' of social distance.

Good Weekend Neighbors!

It is beautiful outside today! And, as we head into the weekend of mixed weather reports, I want to make sure you have the latest information to stay as safe as possible.

1. The County and State have been working to improve communication of actual cases of confirmed Coronavirus in each of our municipalities. We were in sync with the numbers reported to us from the County on Wednesday. However, by. Thursday our numbers did not match again. Police Chief Abrams, is diligently working with our County representatives to straighten our this reporting. Because of that, I am hesitant to put out our latest confirmed cases number for fear it may change over the weekend. Suffice it to say that as of 4/23 it is in the range of 100 confirmed cases.

2. We have created a safety protocol tor each of our multifamily dwellings, including all apartment complexes and Housing Authority buildings. Our Code Enforcement Officer, Scott Brescher and OEM Coordinator, Jim Polos, shared these protocols with all building management in early April.

3. I am encouraged to see more and more of you wearing protective masks as you walk around town, and adding gloves as you go shopping. Please remember that these items are considered medical waste when you are finished using them. For the safety of your neighbors ALWAYS DISPOSE OF YOUR USED MASKS AND GLOVES IN GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AROUND TOWN.

4. County and Municipal parks and trails remain closed. If you must leave your home for physical activity, as you take to the streets, always wear a mask and when you see someone walking in your direction walk at least 6’out of their way to avoid contact.

We are not out of the woods yet with this pandemic. How you chose to go out when leaving your apartment or home will directly impact your Highland Park neighbors and loved ones.

If you continue to follow these 4 easy guidelines we will get past this safer and quicker: Wash your hands often. Wear a mask. Wear gloves. Stay at least 6’ apart.

Thank you.
Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler

Dear residents,

I learned from Middlesex County Health Officials of eight new confirmed cases of Coronavirus in our town over the last two days (four per day) - a 22 year old male, a 23 year old female, a 42 year old female, a 42 year old male, a 46 year old female, a 50 year old male, a 56 year old female, and a 85 year old male. According to our records, there are now 90 cases in Highland Park. We pray that each of them have a complete and speedy recovery.

Some good news to share:
* According to today's Star Ledger, two COVID-19 patients receiving an experimental plasma treatment are experiencing "remarkable" recoveries;
* The same issue reports that Governor Phil Murphy stated yesterday that hospitalizations are leveling off statewide, largely due to widespread adherence to social distancing.

Wishing you all well at this time.

Gayle Brill Mittler, Mayor
Borough of Highland Park