Second Coronavirus Death Reported In Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A second Gloucester Township man in his 60s has died after testing positive for new coronavirus, Camden County officials announced on Friday. A Cherry Hill woman in her 90s has also died, according to officials.

“I am, again, saddened to announce that we have lost two more victims to this deadly virus. We mourn for the families and will keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this painful time of loss,” Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said. “I want to thank the Governor for lowering the flags to half-staff to remember the victims of this insidious virus — we will not forget the memories of those who have passed during this pandemic. Nevertheless, this is a fight that we will never give up, we will continue to make our personal sacrifices united in solidarity that our efforts will break the back of this destructive, silent, invisible force. Furthermore, our community is stronger than the virus, and we will flatten the curve by following the guidance provided by the county and state Health Departments.”

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No further information was provided about either death Friday afternoon, but officials announced an additional 59 new positive cases of coronavirus. Nine of those were in Gloucester Township.

The total number of coronavirus cases in Camden County is now 409, and the total number of cases in Gloucester Township is 61. There have been 10 fatalities countywide. Read more here: First Coronavirus Death Reported In Gloucester Township

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

• A man in his 30s;
• A man in his 40s;
• A woman in her 40s;
• A man in his 50s;
• A man in his 20s;
• Two men in their 30s;
• A woman in her 60s; and
• A woman in her 20s.

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.