(Camden, NJ) – Moving forward with preparations already under way and in an effort to mitigate the potential spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community, the Camden County Freeholder Board is cancelling a series of events planned during the month of March.
The plan is purely precautionary and is not in response to any specific threats or belief that participants at these events are likely to have, or spread, the virus. The majority of events being cancelled are specifically intended for the senior community, which is particularly susceptible to coronavirus.
“This prophylactic measure should not be a cause for alarm. The majority of our residents can still enjoy large events and gatherings if you are being proactive, responsible, and exercising good hand hygiene and respiratory practices,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “At the same time, we are actively considering county-sponsored events on a case-by-case basis to determine if it is in the public interest to cancel or reschedule, and thus reduce the possibility of community spread of this virus, especially among our vulnerable populations.”
The following events have been cancelled:
Special Population St. Patrick’s Day Dance
The Bellmawr Ballroom in Bellmawr
Thursday, 3/12 – 6:30 pm – 9pm
Dance Irish Jig – Free Senior Dance
The Bellmawr Ballroom in Bellmawr
Wednesday, 3/18 – 3:30 pm – 6pm
Luck O’ Irish – Senior Prize Bingo
Wayne Bryant Community Center in Lawnside
Friday, 3/20 – 11am
32nd Annual Veterans Prayer Breakfast
First Korean United Methodist Church in Cherry Hill
Saturday, 3/21 – 9am
Cancelled Programming for March:
Senior Chair Yoga Classes – Gloucester Township
Gloucester Twp. Recreation Center
Wednesday, 3/11 – 11am
Wednesday, 3/25 – 11am
Senior Chair Yoga Classes – Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill Municipal Building
Wednesday, 3/11 – 1pm
Wednesday, 3/25 – 1pm
Senior Chair Yoga Classes – Westmont
Camden County William J. Rohrer Memorial Library
Monday, 3/16 – 1pm
Monday, 3/23 – 1pm
Thursday, 3/30 – 1pm
Senior Meditation Classes – Gloucester Township
Gloucester Twp. Recreation Center
Wednesday, 3/18 – 11am
Senior Meditation Classes – Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill Municipal Building
Wednesday, 3/18 – 1pm
Senior Billiards and Bowling – Cherry Hill
The Big Event Entertainment Experience
Wednesday, 3/18 – 12 pm
Simultaneously, County officials are assuring residents that public facilities operated by the County will remain safe and are being actively cleansed and sanitized to ensure the health and safety of all visitors.
In recent days, all departments have implemented new guidance to janitorial and sanitation employees focused on keeping surfaces in high traffic areas clean with disinfectant solution, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons and handrails.
“Every day, thousands of Camden County residents rely on County-operated facilities such as the Board of Social Services and Camden City Hall to receive critical government assistance, documents, and other core services,” Cappelli said. “We want to ensure our residents that facilities operated by the county will be kept to the highest standards in order to protect the health of all residents and visitors to Camden County.”
About COVID-19/What to Do
The COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus which is believed to have first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness such as the common cold, or more severe illness such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
According to the CDC, current understanding about how the coronavirus spreads is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, but it may be possible that a person can contract the illness by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. It is important to reiterate that at this time, the CDC maintains that for the general American public, the immediate health risk from coronavirus is considered low.
The best way to prevent the spread and contraction of coronavirus is practicing good personal hygiene:
- 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; and
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
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.
The CDC has issued several travel alerts and warnings for locations where outbreaks have occurred. The CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea. Older adults and those with chronic medical conditions have also been alerted to consider postponing nonessential travel to Japan.
If you are experiencing symptoms following possible exposure to COVID-19, seek medical care as soon as possible. Remember to call ahead and tell the healthcare provider’s office about your recent travel, symptoms, and concern. Please also avoid contact with others and do not travel.
For those with questions or concerns related to the novel coronavirus, call the free, 24-hour public hotline at (800) 222-1222 where trained professionals are standing by to answer your questions. In addition, you can call (856) 374-6037 for information at the Camden County Health Department. Residents should call 9-1-1 during emergencies only.
Information regarding Camden County’s preparations, response, and general information provided to the public is available by visiting www.camdencounty.com. Residents should frequently check the county webpage and social media for up-to-date information.