Kennedy battens down in response to virus variant

-MASK MANDATES-

During their Aug. 12 business meeting, Kennedy commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution calling for increased measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Pointing to rising cases associated with the COVID-19 delta variant, Mel Weinstein, treasurer and interim manager, said the resolution will again require all staff and visitors to wear a mask before entering the municipal building.

“We came off the old virus with 625,000 deaths,” Weinstein said. “...This [new variant] is going to be dangerous.”

Weinstein said the township cannot compel vaccinations for employees, but will mandate tests for any that opt not to.

He said he felt it’s particularly important for police to get vaccinated because their work involves frequent interactions with wide sections of the public, who may be sick and/or unvaccinated.

In other township news:

• Commissioners approved a $426,103 bond reduction against the Taco Bell restaurant constructed at the Kennedy Center earlier this year. Following the reduction, a balance of $67,279.50 remains on the bond.

• Commissioners accepted the resignation of Gerard Powers from the Civil Service Commission with immediate effect on account of ill health. Weinstein said Powers had served “effectively” for a 13-year stint, adding that the township will begin searching for a replacement immediately.