5 More Coronavirus Cases In Cherry Hill; Total Now 23

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Five more Cherry Hill residents have tested positive for new coronavirus, Camden County officials announced on Monday. One resident is the parent of a student in Cherry Hill Public Schools, Superintendent Dr. Joseph Meloche announced Monday night.

"Our hearts go out to this parent and family during this difficult time," Meloche said in a letter sent out to the community. "Please have compassionate thoughts and pray for them. "

As of Monday, 23 of the 41 cases of coronavirus identified in Camden County are among Cherry Hill residents. The five newest cases were among 16 identified in the county on Monday.

Trace investigations have begun for the new cases. In Cherry Hill, this included a man in his 60s; a man in his 70s; a man in his 20s; a woman in her 60s; and a man in his 50s.

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The parent who tested positive for coronavirus attended Cherry Hill High School East's presentation of "Legally Blonde" on March 6, Meloche said. The parent is currently hospitalized, and their family members are self-quarantining, Meloche said.

They and the Camden County Department of Health are in the process of notifying anyone the parent has come into contact with since March 6, Meloche said. No other family members, students, or staff members have tested positive for coronavirus as of Monday night.

Cherry Hill schools have not been in session since March 13. A few days later, Gov. Phil Murphy ordered all schools to close statewide. Schools have been closed since then, and Murphy said on Monday he expects schools won't reopen soon.

On Sunday night, a Barrington woman in her 80s became the first coronavirus-related death in the county. Read more here: Camden County’s First Coronavirus Death Reported

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:
Cherry Hill Man Tested Positive For Coronavirus Has Recovered
Second Coronavirus Case Identified In Cherry Hill: Officials
4 Cooper Staff Quarantined After Possible Exposure To Coronavirus
Number Of Cherry Hill Coronavirus Cases Reaches 6: Officials
3 More Positive Cases Of Coronavirus Identified In Cherry Hill
2 More Coronavirus Cases Reported In Cherry Hill
3 More Coronavirus Cases Brings Cherry Hill Total To 18

Cherry Hill Shop Moves Framing Business Online Amid Outbreak

Want to share your stories of how you're getting by amid the coronavirus outbreak in South Jersey with Patch? Email us at anthony.bellano@patch.com.