Coronavirus

A series of blue lights – one representing every township resident killed by the coronavirus – is hung at the township’s cultural gazebo. (Photo: Michael Steinbrück.) A memorial of blue lights for township victims of the coronavirus was virtually unveiled April 23 during Mayor Phil Kramer’s “town hall” meeting. The lights were proposed by the Franklin Township Interfaith Council. The …

The total number of township residents who tested positive for the coronavirus has increased to 800, according to the township Office of Emergency Management. The number of township residents whose deaths were attributed to the virus increased by four, to 65, the OEM reported on April 24. An additional 26 residents tested positive. Township officials have said that the number …

The number of township residents testing positive for the coronavirus increased to 756 and the number of deaths attributed to the disease grew to 54, township officials said April 22. The township Office of Emergency Management reported 37 new positive test results and four more deaths. According to the township OEM, the best way to protect yourself and your family …

The Razi Foundation has donated 4,000 KN95 masks earmarked for local hospitals and first responders. (Photo: Razi Foundation). The Franklin Township Interfaith Council has launched a fundraising campaign to help purchase Personal Protective Equipment for local hospitals, other health care facilities and first responders. Alex Kharazi, the Council’s president, said that more than 4,000 KN95 masks have been donated by …

Franklin passed the 700 mark in residents with confirmed coronavirus cases, the township Office of Emergency Management confirmed April 21. With 39 new confirmed cases reported, the total case number is now 719, according to OEM. There were no new deaths reported, so the number of fatalities stands at 50, according to OEM. According to the OEM, the best way …

The food is donated to staff in local hospitals who are treating coronavirus patients. (Photo: Venus Jewelers.) Submitted by Venus Jewelers. Like many businesses in Franklin Township, family owned Venus Jewelers closed its doors temporarily to do its part to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Down but not out, Dr. Peter and team have been working from home trying …

The Colonial Park Spray Park is among the attractions and events that will not open or are cancelled for the rest of the year. (File photo.) Events and attractions at county parks – such as the paddle boats and spray park at Colonial Park – are cancelled or not going to open this summer, the county park officials said April …

Schools Superintendent John Ravally wrote to parents on April 20 that “it appears” that remote learning will last longer than May 15. Given the “strong possibility” that township students will not return to classes this school year, the district has planned for four more phases of “remote learning” to carry it through to the end of June. Those phases were …

About 60 percent of all township residents’ deaths attributable to the coronavirus occurred in nursing homes, according to state health officials. Data released April 20 by the state Department of Health showed that 178 nursing home residents tested positive for the virus, while 30 died from it. Township-wide, as of April 20, 680 residents have tested positive for coronavirus, while …

Another 24 township residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and two more have died from coronavirus, the township Office of Emergency Management reported April 19. The newest totals are 663 positive cases, with 45 deaths, according to OEM. The joint Somerset-Hunterdon drive-through testing center at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg will wind up its first round of testing on …