Camden County's First Coronavirus Death Reported

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — The first death from the new coronavirus in Camden County was reported in Barrington on Sunday, officials announced.

A Barrington woman in her 80s is the first victim of the virus in the county, Mayor Patti Harris announced Sunday night.

“I asked that you all keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers and that we stay strong as a community to get through this terrible crisis,” Harris said. “I urge you all to please stay home if you do not need to go out.”

County officials announced five new cases in the county late Sunday afternoon. Those cases included a Barrington woman in her 80s, who officials said was hospitalized. A total of 24 cases of new coronavirus have been reported throughout the county. Read more here: 5 More Coronavirus Cases In Camden County; Blood Donations Needed

“I am sorry to report the first COVID-19 death in Camden County,” Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. said. “My deepest sympathy to her family members and friends. Please, please follow all orders and recommendations to flatten the curve.”

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“Be assured we will do everything we can to continue to protect the health and safety of our residents,” Harris said Monday morning. “As a community, we must continue to support one another during these uncertain times. Everyone must do their part so that we can stop the spread and protect our families, friends, and neighbors. We are a small but amazing community that will get through these tough times stronger together.”

Earlier in the day Sunday, officials announced that there were 1,914 total cases of coronavirus throughout the state, and 20 deaths. Read more here: NJ Coronavirus: 590 New Cases, 4 More Deaths Reported On Sunday

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
• Gov. Phil 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.