By Lauren Wanko
Correspondent
“It’s something I think every township should do because they owe it to the people they care about,” said Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina.
Jackson Township is increasing its sanitizing efforts on playgrounds, in recreational areas and municipal buildings — a direct result of the nationwide outbreak of enterovirus D68. The infection claimed the life of a 4-year-old Hamilton boy and most recently a toddler in Michigan. And a Texas hospital health care worker is positive for Ebola. The CDC confirmed test results Sunday. The health care worker cared for the patient who lost his life to the disease.
“Enterovirus isn’t something we’re going to take lightly. Ebola is another thing. We understand we don’t have a cure here. What we’re doing is preventative measures to the best of our ability,” Reina said.
There are eight playground areas in Jackson Township. The Department of Public Works is now cleaning them all, three days a week, everything from the ramps to the railings — the entire structure.
It’s a six-person job.
“Normally, you wouldn’t say, oh well you have to wipe that down, but we do we have to make sure any handles, any areas a child is in contact with, we want to make sure we’re treating it,” said Safety Coordinator Scott Sargeant.
Everything’s treated with a light bleach solution.
“I went to the CDC website. I contacted the CDC. I also went to the Board of Health and checked out their website just to ensure what we were doing met the standards,” Sargeant said.
Municipal buildings are now cleaned twice a day. Township vehicles are wiped down too.
“In the buildings we wipe it out, everything from the door knobs, to the switch lights, to the rails,” explained DPW Supervisor Jose Garcia.
The mayor says DPW staffers aren’t accruing any overtime for the job.
“No extra cost borne to our residents. I think when you look at the end game, if we’re buying a little more bleach, a little more sanitizer, I don’t see that to be a determinant to taxes,” Reina said.
DPW Supervisor Jose Garcia doesn’t mind the extra work.
“It’s safety first,” he said.
“This has nothing to do with trying to scare anyone. It’s just a proactive stance,” Reina said.
Mayor Reina says he’s discussed increased sanitizing measures with the Jackson Board of Education in their 10 public schools. Township officials say they want to set an example for the community.
“We don’t want to tell people what to do. We can show them how to do it,” Sargeant said.
When asked if it’s really about educating the community, Sargeant said, “Absolutely. We want to make sure they’re safe.”
With flu season upon us, Jackson Township has no plans to stop its extra sanitizing efforts.