Somerset County Coronavirus Update

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

April 7, 2020

As of April 7, a total of 1,007 cases of COVID-19 and 45 deaths have been reported in Somerset County. The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is reporting a total of 44,416 cases and 1,232 deaths in the state.

While individuals may know to stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing, there is evidence that the virus may be spread by people who are not showing any signs or symptoms. Residents should assume that everyone has the virus and must continue to take precautions by practicing social distancing and staying at home.

Social distancing – staying 6-feet apart (at least two arm’s length) from other individuals – remains the most effective tool for delaying the spread of the virus and reducing the impact of the disease. The Somerset County Department of Health is urging residents to limit their risk of exposure by staying home and avoiding close contact with people outside of their household.

Adhering to social distancing guidelines is also important during the holidays. Residents should consider other ways to celebrate events with family and friends. In preparation for the upcoming Holy Week and other religious observances, residents should consult with their local houses of worship to see what alternatives are being offered for in-person services.

When leaving home, to prevent further spread of coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing homemade or cloth face coverings called courtesy masks. Although wearing these masks are important for reducing the spread of COVID-19, people must still practice social distancing and adhere to stay-at-home orders. For more information about how to make and wear masks properly, visit: www.co.somerset.nj.us/health.

It is also important that critical supplies such as medical-grade face coverings should not be worn by the general public, since these supplies must be reserved for healthcare workers and medical first responders who are treating patients.

Interventions such as following common-sense health habits and routinely sanitizing high-touch surfaces are also important ways to control the spread of the virus. The following daily health precautions can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases:

• Stay at home
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time
• Resist the urge to touch your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• Disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched

To stay informed about COVID-19, follow trusted sources of information, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov, the World Health Organization at www.who.int,the New Jersey Department of Health at www.nj.gov/health and the Somerset County Department of Health at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health.

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This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.