First Coronavirus Death Reported In Cherry Hill

CHERRY HILL, NJ — A Cherry Hill woman in her 90s has died after testing positive for new coronavirus, officials announced on Tuesday. She was one of three Camden County residents who died on Tuesday, bringing the total number of fatalities related to the virus to six countywide.

A Camden woman in her 50s and a Winslow Township man in his 60s have also died, Camden County officials announced. The deaths were announced one day after it was announced that a Gloucester Township man and a Pine Hill woman, both in their 60s, had died.

“It does not get easier announcing these figures each day. We are tremendously saddened to have heard that three more members of the Camden County community have lost their lives to this horrible virus, and we are sending our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of those who have passed,” Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said. “As more of our residents gain access to testing, the number of confirmed cases will continue to rise, however we know that these numbers would be much larger if not for the community’s embrace of social distancing and stay-at-home measures. We need everyone to continue to take this threat seriously, even as these long weeks at home begin to take their toll. If we all do our part, we will emerge from this stronger and more united than ever.”

No further information was provided about the three deaths, but for the second straight day, officials announced 41 additional positive cases of the virus in the county, bringing the Camden County total to 242. Read more here: Camden County's First Coronavirus Death Reported

Seven of the new cases were among Cherry Hill residents, bringing the township total to 66 cases.

As of Tuesday, 267 people statewide had died of new coronavirus, and 18,696 people statewide had tested positive for the virus. Read more here: Gov. Phil Murphy: 69 More Die, 2,196 More NJ Coronavirus Cases

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Trace investigations are underway in all the new cases, including the seven following Cherry Hill residents:

• A man in his 50s;
• A man in his 70s;
• A woman in her 50s;
• A woman in her 70s;
• A man in his 30s;
• A man in his 60s; and
• A man in his 30s.

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.

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