Barnegat-Area Coronavirus Update: Lifeguard Outbreak, Schools

BARNEGAT, NJ — There's a lot of news to keep up with right now — locally, nationally and worldwide. Here's a recap of coronavirus updates in Barnegat and Manahawkin.

Cases

The Ocean County Health Department has reported 300 total coronavirus cases in Stafford and 276 in Barnegat as of Thursday morning. The virus has killed 28 people in Stafford and 11 in Barnegat.

The OCHD has reported 29 new coronavirus cases in Stafford, seven new cases in Barnegat and no new deaths in either town since Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch's last update July 23.

Officials reported 12 new coronavirus cases Wednesday in Ocean County, bringing the area to 10,319 cases and 942 deaths.

Testing

Ocean County recently began testing asymptomatic patients July 6 at its Ocean County College drive-thru site.

To schedule a test appointment, Ocean County residents can visit the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org. If residents have any questions, they can call the Health Department at 732-341-9700, ext. 7411.

Additionally, Hackensack Meridian Urgent Care on Long Beach Island can test whether patients were previously infected with the coronavirus. Hackensack Meridian's urgent care centers began antibody testing May 2. MORE.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Recent Updates

• The Stafford Township School District's reopening plan allows parents to choose between in-person schooling five days a week, hybrid learning or remote education for their children. The plan addresses several challenges, such as face coverings, social distancing and transportation. MORE.
• The Southern Regional School District posted a video about September reopening plans.
• Officials have identified 35 coronavirus cases associated with lifeguards around Long Beach Island gathering outside of work. State officials called for everyone, especially young people, to take precautions not to spread the virus. MORE.

Something to Smile About

This summer isn't business as usual, but plenty of Long Beach Island establishments made South Jersey Magazine's annual "Best of the Shore" list. MORE.

Here's what else you should know:

• Murphy is warning that New Jersey's coronavirus cases are on the rise again, and he believes that indoor parties have been largely responsible for the uptick. Read more: Gov. Murphy Warns That NJ's Coronavirus Cases Are Rising Again
• Now, most of the country should quarantine if they're coming to New Jersey amid the coronavirus crisis. Here's where. Read more: NJ Expands Coronavirus Travel Quarantine To 34 States

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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