Second Coronavirus Case Identified In Cherry Hill: Officials

CHERRY HILL, NJ — A second Cherry Hill resident has tested presumptive positive for new coronavirus, Camden County officials announced Friday evening. A woman in her 60s is in self-isolation in her home, and is maintaining frequent contact with the Camden County Health Department, officials said.

“Today we were apprised of our second presumptive positive case from a private lab and have taken all the precautionary measures and actions to ensure the health and welfare of the people of Camden County,” Health Officer Dr. Paschal Nwako said. “We are continuing to work with the New Jersey Department of Health to identify individuals who may have been in contact with anyone confirmed of having contracted the illness and taking active measures to minimize the threat posed to our residents.”

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The Camden County Health Department is currently working with the New Jersey Department of Health to trace close contacts of the newest case. The investigation is still ongoing, but county health officials believe her exposure came from out of state travel.

The second case was announced one week after thefirst case was announced in a Cherry Hill man in his 60s. On Thursday, county officials said his condition continues to improve. These are the only two presumptive positive cases in Camden County as of Friday, although four people at a Cherry Hill Urgent Care Center were quarantined after being exposed to the man the same day he was hospitalized. In this case, the county was able to trace back all the patient’s exposures and none have exhibited any symptoms since self-quarantining.

Read more here: No Connection Between Coronavirus, Cherry Hill Schools: Officials

It was also reported the same day that the third case of new coronavirus was reported in Burlington County. Altogether, five cases have been reported in the region, and there are now 50 cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey, state Health Commissioner Judith Persichelli said.

The Camden County Department of Health continues to coordinate with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), the Governor’s Office, and other state, local, and federal partners to ensure a comprehensive and appropriate response to the ongoing public health threat presented by coronavirus. The presumptive positive results came from a sample tested by a private lab, Quest Diagnostics Inc., and are now being submitted to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for confirmatory testing.

“We are urging residents with any questions about coronavirus, what symptoms look like, and how they can best protect themselves and their family to contact the state’s dedicated coronavirus call center at (800) 962-1253 or (800) 222-1222,” Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services, said. “It is important to take this threat seriously, but it is also critical that each of us respond appropriately. There is currently no need to stockpile food or water, and there is no benefit from buying large quantities of facemasks which do not protect the general public from contracting the virus. Hand washing and other personal hygiene practice continue to be the most effective way of protecting yourself from this virus.”

The best way to prevent the spread and contraction of coronavirus is practicing good personal hygiene:

• Wash your hands thoroughly, and often, with soap and water for 20 seconds;
• Stay home when you’re sick;
• Avoid contact with others who are sick;
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue; and
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.

Anyone who believes they have been exposed to coronavirus should contact their healthcare provider immediately, and before visiting a providers’ office, hospital, or the emergency room. To prevent the spread of the virus, it is critical that healthcare providers are aware of your symptoms, travel history, and other relevant details before you enter facilities with other patients.

Residents should call 9-1-1 during emergencies only, for those with questions or concerns related to the coronavirus, the NJDOH has partnered with the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System to open and operate a dedicated coronavirus call center at 1-800-222-1222. More information is also available on the state’s coronavirus webpage.

Information regarding Camden County’s preparations, response, and general information provided to the public is available by visiting camdencounty.com. Residents should frequently check the county webpage and social media for up-to-date information.

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