2 More Coronavirus Deaths Announced In Cherry Hill

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Three Cherry Hill residents were among six new fatalities related to new coronavirus announced in Camden County on Thursday. Another 132 positive cases were also reported by county officials.

Two Cherry Hill men in their 90s and Cherry Hill woman in her 80s were among the six fatalities reported by Camden County officials on Thursday. The other fatalities included:

• A Voorhees woman in her 90s;
• A Clementon man in his 80s; and
• A Gloucester Township man in his 80s.

Six Cherry Hill residents who tested positive for new coronavirus have now died. This includes retired former ShopRite executive Steve Ravitz, two women in their 90s, a man in his 70s and three men in their 90s, including the two fatalities announced on Thursday.

New Jersey now has 51,027 cases and 1,700 deaths, both numbers now ranking as the second-highest in the country. Read more here: Gov. Murphy: ‘Real Progress In NJ Coronavirus Crisis

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“This is another somber day as our thoughts turn to residents who have lost their battle with COVID-19. We keep our thoughts and prayers with families of the victims who are going through heartbreak and pain over the destruction this virus has caused to our neighbors. This is an especially difficult time to be without family, in the middle of Holy Week, and even worse to lose a member,” Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said. “We are again asking residents who are observing faith-based holidays this weekend to reflect privately and celebrate only with those in their home. While this is a difficult change to make, with traditions at this time of the year so treasured for so many, it is necessary in order to ensure that your family will be able to gather together this time next year. If we stay home, we save lives, and we can break the back of this virus once and for all.”

The total number of positive cases in Camden County is now 1,008. The following new cases were reported in Cherry Hill. Trace investigations are now underway:

1. FEMALE, 80s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
2. MALE, 70s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
3. MALE, 70s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
4. FEMALE, 50s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
5. MALE, JUVENILE, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
6. MALE, 70s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
7. FEMALE, 80s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
8. MALE, 60s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
9. MALE, 80s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
10. FEMALE, 80s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
11. MALE, 90s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
12. FEMALE, 90s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
13. FEMALE, 80s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
14. FEMALE, 30s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
15. FEMALE, 60s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
16. FEMALE, 90s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
17. FEMALE, 80s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
18. FEMALE, 50s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
19. FEMALE, 50s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
20. MALE, 40s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
21. FEMALE, 10s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
22. FEMALE, 30s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
23. FEMALE, 70s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
24. FEMALE, 20s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
25. FEMALE, 60s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP

Here's what else you should know:

• State health officials said they believe the virus is "community-spread" in New Jersey. "Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order, closing all non-essential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced that all schools would close on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy issued an executive order on Thursday, March 19 to ensure voters can exercise their right to vote without risking their health and safety. Read more: Coronavirus Alters NJ Election Procedure, Moves Election Dates
• The first person in New Jersey to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• State Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced on Saturday, March 14 that municipal court sessions will be suspended.
• The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it's also closing temporarily. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus
• Four members of the same New Jersey family died from the coronavirus, according to March 19 reports. Read more: 4 In Same Family, Including 3 In NJ, Die Of Coronavirus: Reports
• The deadline for Americans to file federal taxes was moved from April 15 to July 15, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin tweeted on Friday, March 20. Read more: Federal Tax Day Postponed To July 15 Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses. This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash 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.

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know