Cooper Health Begins Testing Patients For Coronavirus

Cooper University Health Care has begun testing hospitalized patients for new coronavirus in its own laboratory, the health system announced on Monday. After previously announcing that it had begun collecting specimens at its ambulatory care center in Cherry Hill, Cooper can now both collect specimens and run tests all conducted by Cooper personnel.

Cooper is using test kits from Abbott Laboratories that are compatible with its laboratory equipment. Cooper’s trained team will begin running tests on its hospitalized patients immediately, according to the health care system.

“We are pleased to announce that Cooper will be able to test more of our patients as well as our team of tremendous doctors and nurses more quickly to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Cooper Board of Trustees Chairman George E. Norcross, III, said.

During an online address Monday afternoon, Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. said Cooper, Virtua and Jefferson all have cornavirus testing kits. The county is also awaiting testing kits for a possible FEMA testing site at Camden County College those who are showing symptoms can be tested, Cappelli said. The site is prepared to launch once the county receives kits.

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“As the leading academic health system and only trauma center in South Jersey, it is critical we can quickly determine positive COVID-19 patients to stop the spread of the virus, free up isolation rooms and space in the hospital for those who need to be there, and release those who are safe to be cared for elsewhere,” Cooper Co-president/CEO Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli said.

“Cooper plays an essential role in protecting the health and safety of the southern New Jersey region. Today’s testing announcement is a significant development for the communities we serve. Cooper will continue to do all we can to reduce the spread of this virus as well as continuing to care for those infected,” Cooper Co-president/CEO Kevin O’Dowd said.

On Monday, state officials announced that there were 935 new coronavirus cases in the state, including 11 in Camden, 10 in Burlington and five in Gloucester counties. Read more here: NJ Coronavirus: 1K New Cases, 7 New Deaths; Enforcement Underway

Cappelli announced that there were 16 new cases in Camden County. Burlington County officials reported that had 13 new cases.

On Sunday evening, it was announced that a Barrington woman in her 80s was the first coronavirus-related fatality in Camden County. Read more here: Camden County’s First Coronavirus Death Reported

“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, the Health Department, and the entire Camden County community, we extend our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of this victim,” Cappelli said on Monday. “We must continue to be realistic in our approach to the war we are fighting with this virus. There are likely to be more deaths in the coming weeks and months if we do not adhere to the governor’s orders, practice social distancing, and stay home as much as possible. That is the only way we can protect those most vulnerable in our community to this terrible disease including the elderly, immunocompromised, first responders, healthcare workers, and everyone else who is serving on the front lines of the war against coronavirus.”

Trace investigations have begun into the new cases. A total of 41 positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in Camden County as of Monday. There are a total of 39 positive coronavirus cases being reported out of Burlington County, and 13 out of Gloucester County.

The New Jersey Department of Health has partnered with the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System to open and operate a call center (1-800-222-1222) for public use regarding questions, concerns, and other information related to coronavirus spread in New Jersey. More information is also available on the state's coronavirus webpage.