Camden County Increases Prep After Positive NJ Coronavirus Cases

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — The Camden County Department of Health is ramping up its preparations in the event that coronavirus surfaces in the county following the identification of the first two cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in New Jersey.

In the first case, a 32-year-old Fort Lee man has been hospitalized at Hackensack University Medical Center since Tuesday, according to state officials. Read more here: More Detail: First Presumptive Positive Case Of Coronavirus In NJ

On Thursday, New Jersey officials announced the identification of a second case in North Jersey, as well as travel restrictions for state employees. Read more here: 2nd Presumptive Case Of Coronavirus In NJ

The Camden County Health Department is closely monitoring reports and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New Jersey Department of Health, county officials said on Thursday.

“The immediate risk to our community remains low, however it is important to be realistic about this threat and to prepare accordingly,” Camden County Health Officer Dr. Paschal Nwako said. “Based on what we know about this virus, it spreads the same way as most respiratory illnesses. That means that the most effective means of prevention is to wash your hands frequently and properly, and to exhibit other good hygiene practices.”

As of noon, on Thursday, the CDC reported 99 confirmed cases of coronavirus throughout the United States. None of them were in Camden County. However, the CDC is advising all Americans to be prepared for a possible outbreak in their community. Decisions regarding the implementation of community measures to stem the effects of an outbreak will be made by state and local officials, in consultation with appropriate authorities at the federal level.

The Camden County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for maintaining and enforcing the New Jersey state disaster laws, and focuses on coordinating activities to mitigate, prepare for, and respond to, disaster situations. OEM is working to prepare plans and procedures for emergency responders who may treat or transport persons who have contracted the coronavirus.

The Department of Health is continuing to monitor the health of individuals who have traveled from or through China. Travelers from other affected areas are being asked to self-quarantine, self-monitor their health and practice social distancing for 14 days from the time they leave the affected region.

Other departments and agencies within Camden County are proactively updating their continuity of operations and continuity of government plans, ensuring that critical government services and functions will remain accessible in the event that employees cannot continue to work in their regular facilities.

“Residents should know that the government of Camden County is ready in the event of any emergency, including a potential viral outbreak,” Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said. “Plans are in place to ensure that we are always prepared to respond to the needs of our citizens whether in the event of a natural disaster, severe storms, or a public health crisis.”
Nwako and other public health officials are continuing to urge Camden County residents that the best way to protect yourself from contracting or spreading viruses is to demonstrate good, common hygiene practices, including:

• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
• Washing your hands properly and often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoiding close contact with sick people
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible
• Staying home from work or school when you are sick

Officials are also emphasizing the inefficacy of facemasks to help prevent contracting the coronavirus.

“The general public should not be buying or wearing facemasks. Facemasks are not an effective method of protecting yourself from coronavirus,” Nwako said. “On the other hand, facemasks are critical for care providers and individuals who are coming into direct contact with those who are known to be infected. We need help from the public to ensure that there is an available supply of protective equipment for these care providers. The nation’s supply of these critical resources is not unlimited.”

Officials are also recommending the following steps to help prepare for an outbreak:

• Speak with your employer about options to work from home or telecommute to work
• If chronically ill or requiring daily medication, restock on prescriptions as soon as possible
• Add nonperishable items to your pantry, including go-to sickbed foods such as chicken broth, crackers, hydrating drinks, etc…(there is no need to stockpile food or water, however).

The CDC has also issued an interim guidance designed to help you prepare your household for the transmission of coronavirus within your community. Residents in Camden County should begin to familiarize themselves with this plan and take the necessary steps to prepare a precautionary plan for their household.

For travelers, or residents planning to travel, the CDC has issued several international travel advisories:

Level 3: Avoid all nonessential travel to the following destinations:

• Iran (Entry of foreign nationals from these destinations has been suspended)
• China (Entry of foreign nationals from these destinations has been suspended)
• South Korea
• Italy

Level 2: Older adults or those who have chronic medical conditions should consider postponing travel to the following destinations:

• Japan

The CDC is not currently recommending canceling or postponing travel to destinations where the risk of coronavirus is thought to be low. If you are travelling, the CDC recommends following these routine precautions:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
• It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

The New Jersey Department of Health has been working to prepare for and respond to the evolving coronavirus since early January. The department shared state and CDC guidance with hospitals, local health officials, K-12 schools, universities and businesses; established a novel coronavirus webpage; partnered with the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) to open a call center (1-800-222-1222) for the public; hosted stakeholder teleconferences; and continues coordinating state efforts weekly with the Persichilli.

To date, the 24/7 NJPIES hotline (1-800-222-1222) has received more than 1,195 calls from the public and can accommodate callers in multiple languages. Click here for more information on the coronavirus.

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