Following an uptick in positive COVID-19 tests for employees, City Hall will be closed until Dec. 27, 2021 so the building can be sanitized as per COVID-19 protocol.

Essential services such as police and fire will continue normally, and additional services will be restored as department employees are cleared for work. Sanitation will continue as scheduled, except Christmas Eve (12/24) and Christmas Day (12/25).

“Due to an uptick in positive cases, a few of our employees will be spending the holiday season in quarantine away from their families,” said Mayor Gusciora. “There is no doubt COVID-19 and its variants still pose a grave risk to our residents. The best way to show your love for your family this season is to get vaccinated, get a booster if you’re eligible, and please get tested and stay away from one other if you exhibit any symptoms.”

Mercer County is approaching the pandemic high of 59 cases per 100,000 realized on Jan. 10, 2021. Currently the area is at 54.1 cases per 100,000. COVID-related hospitalizations at Mercer County hospitals is also now at a seven-day average of 84. It was 20 at the beginning of November.

According to the N.J. Department of Health, vaccine protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection may decrease over time. Booster doses provide essential additional protection.  While more than 70 percent of residents have received their primary vaccine series, only 34 percent of residents eligible have received a booster.

The CDC recommends that all individuals 5 and older should get vaccinated. In addition, Pfizer booster doses are available for those ages 16 and older at least six months after completion of their primary Pfizer vaccination. Moderna recipients age 18+ are also eligible six months after completing their primary series, while Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients age 18+ are eligible at least two months after a one-dose vaccine.

For an updated list of vaccine and booster opportunities in our area as well as testing and other helpful information, visit: https://trentonhealthteam.org/covidvaccine/.

In order to keep loved ones and first responders safe, city residents are asked to follow these recommendations from the CDC, the N.J. Department of Health, and the City of Trenton Department of Health:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer if you’re without soap and water.
• Monitor your health through daily temperature checks and look for signs of COVID-19. Limit your contact with people who exhibit cough, fever, fatigue, chills, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, difficulty breathing, congestion and runny nose.
• Practice social distancing by remaining at least six feet apart from other residents and avoiding crowds.
• Wear a face mask in public.