Township Of Teaneck: COVID-19 Building Closure

Press release from the Township of Teaneck:

December 20, 2021

Dean B. KazinciTownship ManagerThomas P. RoweDeputy Township Manager

Dean B. Kazinci December 20, 2021   PRESS RELEASE

  Over the past weekend, Teaneck registered ninety eight (98) new COVID-19 cases, a number that’s very alarming to me and to our local health officials. Despite very favorable vaccination percentages, Teaneck and the County of Bergen remain at a high risk level (Orange) for COVID transmission.    Because of the significant uptick in positive COVID-19 cases in the Teaneck community, I have made the decision to close all municipal buildings to the public effective Tuesday, December 21, 2021.  

  This action is just one measure that will be taken to help keep our community, workforce and families safe from the spread of the virus.    Although the buildings will be closed to the public, residents can continue to conduct business and communicate with the Township during normal business hours in the following format:

  I understand the temporary inconvenience this will cause to everyone. However, the safety of our employees, their families, and the residents of Teaneck remains my number one priority. The Township has made significant strides in combatting COVID-19 since its inception, and the decisions I’m making today will help to prevent any further setbacks.    The municipal buildings will remain closed to the public through Monday, January 17, 2022. We will reopen our facilities to the public on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 contingent upon data showing COVID-19 cases have declined to a safe level, and our health officer determines it’s appropriate to do so. The January 18, 2022 reopening date allows us to safely get through the Holiday season, and the fourteen (14) day post-Holiday incubation period.

      Please note that the Sunshine Garden and after school program will continue to operate at the Rodda Center until December 23, 2021.

  As a reminder, everyone 16 and older should get a booster shot at any vaccine location if it has been at least two months since their one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot or at least six months after completing their two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series.   At this time, only the Pfizer vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 16 and 17.

  Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC's recommendations allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.   COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. However, studies show that vaccination may become less effective over time, especially in preventing infection or milder illness and in people over 65 years old. Booster doses provide necessary additional protection against waning immunity. All eligible individuals are encouraged to get booster shots.

  As I previously reported, The NJ Department of Health and Vault Medical Services have partnered to offer a free, at-home COVID-19 saliva test kit that is available to every New Jerseyan who thinks they need a test – even if you don't have symptoms. For additional information and to order a free test kit, visit    

Although there are no numerical limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings, I ask everyone to use good judgement to help save lives and prevent the spread of COVID-19 as the new Omicron variant is highly contagious. We are experiencing many breakthrough cases with the Delta and Omicron variant.

Although there are no numerical limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings, I ask everyone to use good judgement to help save lives and prevent the spread of COVID-19 as the new Omicron variant is highly contagious. We are experiencing many breakthrough cases with the Delta and Omicron variant.   Remember you can be an asymptomatic carrier even when fully vaccinated so taking precautions protects you, your family, and the community.  

Face masks are strongly recommended for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in indoor settings where there is increased risk, including:

Face masks are strongly recommended for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in indoor settings where there is increased risk,      

COVID-19 remains a threat, particularly at indoor gatherings with unvaccinated individuals. Follow the safety tips from the CDC and the NJ Department of Health to protect yourself and avoid putting your loved ones at risk.

COVID-19 remains a threat, particularly at indoor gatherings with unvaccinated individuals. Follow the safety tips from the CDC and the NJ Department of Health to protect yourself and avoid putting your loved ones at risk.   I need everyone’s cooperation in following these recommendations to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, especially during the Holiday season. Together we can fight this virus as one community and we will always remain “Teaneck Strong.”  

Dean B. Kazinci

Dean B. Kazinci Township Manager

This press release was produced by the Township of Teaneck. The views expressed here are the author’s own.