First Coronavirus Death Reported In Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Gloucester Township man in his 60s has died after testing positive for new coronavirus, officials announced on Monday. A Pine Hill woman in her 60s has also died, according to Camden County officials.

“We are incredibly saddened by these tragic losses, and on behalf of the Freeholder Board and certainly the entire Camden County community, we send our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said. “Our sole objective at this time should be to minimize the loss of life caused by coronavirus to the greatest extent possible. Not a single death from this terrible disease can be considered acceptable. Everyone needs to follow the governor’s orders and stay home. By social distancing we not only reduce the risk that we ourselves will contract the virus, but we also reduce the likelihood that we will serve as an unwitting means of transmission for the virus. Tonight, our community grieves with the families who have lost loved ones, and we send them our thoughts and prayers during this unprecedented moment in history.”

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No further information was provided about the two deaths on Monday, but officials also announced an additional 41 new positive cases of coronavirus. Five of those cases were in Gloucester Township. The total number of coronavirus cases in Camden County is now 202, and the total number of cases in Gloucester Township is 30.

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

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

Three people have now died of coronavirus in Camden County, and the hospitalization rate remains around 16 percent, according to officials. Read more here: Camden County’s First Coronavirus Death Reported

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.

See related:
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First Positive Case Of Coronavirus Reported In Gloucester Twp.
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2 More Cases Of Coronavirus Reported In Gloucester Township
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