First Person Tested For Coronavirus In Ocean County Is Negative

BERKELEY, NJ — The first test for the new coronavirus in Ocean County came back negative, according to the county health department. A Berkeley woman in her 60s was tested for the disease.

She was admitted to Community Medical Center for observation and has since been released in stable condition, the Ocean County Health Department announced Friday.

Two presumptive cases of the new coronavirus have been identified in New Jersey as of Friday afternoon. Read more: More Details In 2nd Presumptive Positive Coronavirus Case In NJ

“The Ocean County Health Department is very pleased that this case turned out negative," said OCHD Public Health Coordinator Daniel Regenye. "However, it was a good opportunity to test our collective agency response and I was overall pleased with the open lines of communication."

The OCHD continues to work with local schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, health-care providers, senior-citizen groups and other agencies to ensure appropriate guidance and readiness plans.

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COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when someone coughs or sneezes. Other people may contract the virus by touching surfaces the droplets may land on.

Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure, according to the OCHD. The department recommends the following precautions:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue then disposing of the tissue;
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• Staying home when you are sick and avoiding contact with persons in poor health;
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing;
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol;
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Get a flu shot! The OCHD is offering free flu shots.

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