5 More Cases Of Coronavirus Reported In Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Five more Gloucester Township residents have tested positive for new coronavirus, Camden County officials announced on Thursday.

They were among 48 new cases reported throughout the county, raising the total number of countywide cases to 350, with eight deaths. Fifty-two Gloucester Township residents have tested positive, and one has died.

“We are continuing to combat this virus through mitigation efforts and testing, nevertheless, we are still receiving a steady flow of new cases from our partners at the state and private labs,” Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said. “This is a war that we will win not over a period of weeks, but over a period of months. We all must remain vigilant, policing ourselves to stay at home, to avoid unnecessary trips, and to exercise social distancing to the greatest possible extent. We have seen this strategy work in other parts of the world that have fought back this virus, and if we do our part it will work here too. While many of us stay at home, I’d like to again thank our first responders, healthcare professionals, and everyone who is on the front lines fighting this virus and keeping the rest of us safe.”

The hospitalization rate among Camden County cases fell by 10 percent, and 73 residents were tested at the drive-through testing center at Cooper Poynt Waterfront Park in Camden City, officials said.

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Trace investigations are underway in all the new cases, including among the following Gloucester Township residents:

• A man in his 20s;
• A man in his 60s;
• A woman in her 60s;
• A woman in her 50s; and
• A woman in her 40s.

There are more than 25,000 cases in New Jersey as of Thursday, and 537 people have died as a result of COVID-19.

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