(Gloucester Township, NJ) –The Camden County Department of Health is announcing additional positive cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) identified in Camden County. Trace investigations are being facilitated with the patients and remain ongoing.
“As testing volume increases, we are going to see the number of cases in our community continue to increase,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. “It is critical at this moment that everyone takes this threat extremely seriously. Social distancing, staying home as much as possible and avoiding contact with others, is the only way we will be able to slow the spread of this disease and reduce the toll this pandemic has on our community. As we have with our first three cases, we are continuing to work with the New Jersey Department of Health to identify individuals who may have been in contact with anyone confirmed of having contracted the illness.”
The Department of Health is announcing four new cases. The following information is available regarding these patients:
New Patient 1: Male, 40s, Cherry Hill. Self-isolating at home with exposure only to his family, no community contact, no travel history.
New Patient 2: Male, 50s, Cherry Hill. Self-isolating at home. Family exposures only with no community exposures and no travel history.
New Patient 3: Male, 40s, Cherry Hill. Self-isolating at home and only had family exposure, no community exposure.
New Patient 4: Female, 60s, Pine Hill. Exposure investigation is just starting. The patient is being treated at the hospital.
The county Health Department is currently working with the NJDOH to trace close contacts of these newest cases. The investigations are still ongoing, and we will update the public with new developments as the information is gathered by our investigators.
“We are urging residents with any questions about coronavirus, what symptoms look like, and how they can best protect themselves and their family to call 2-1-1 or text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text information. You can also receive live text assistance by texting your zip code to 898-211,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services. “The New Jersey Department of Health has a coronavirus website with resources and updates, and we are constantly updating www.camdencounty.com with new information. It is extremely important to stay informed by the latest updates, as the situation presented by coronavirus is evolving rapidly.”
On Monday, March 16, the Freeholder Board declared a state of emergency in Camden County. The Governor has issued several executive orders implementing aggressive social distancing measures, restricting non-essential business activity, food service delivery, and more. For more information visit here.
The best way to prevent the spread and contraction of coronavirus is practicing good personal hygiene and to follow the CDC’s social distancing guidelines:
- Wash your hands thoroughly, and often, with soap and water for 20 seconds;
- Stay home when you’re sick;
- Avoid contact with others who are sick;
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue;
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects;
- Avoid crowds of more than 50 people; and
- Maintain at least a six-foot distance between yourself and the nearest person;
Anyone who believes they have been exposed to coronavirus should contact their healthcare provider immediately, and before visiting a providers’ office, hospital, or the emergency room. To prevent the spread of the virus, it is critical that healthcare providers are aware of your symptoms, travel history, and other relevant details before you enter facilities with other patients.
Residents should call 9-1-1 during emergencies only, for those with questions or concerns related to the coronavirus, call the free, 24-hour public hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253, or the statewide information and referral service at 2-1-1, where trained professionals are standing by to answer your questions. Beginning today, New Jersey residents can also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text information and stay informed. To receive live text assistance, residents can text their zip code to 898-211. More information is also available on the state’s coronavirus webpage.
Information regarding Camden County’s preparations, response, and general information provided to the public is available by visiting camdencounty.com. Residents should frequently check the county webpage and social media for up-to-date information.