1st Coronavirus Montgomery Death Reported

MONTGOMERY, NJ — Montgomery's first coronavirus-related death was reported on Wednesday, according to Somerset County. The Township's total cases have also risen to 55.

"We have been informed of a very sad milestone: the first death in Montgomery Township resulting from a coronavirus infection. On behalf of the entire Township Committee, I extend my deepest sympathies to the resident’s family and loved ones," said Montgomery Township Mayor Sadaf Jaffer said.

The fatality was of a resident in the 60 to 69 age category.

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Nearby in Hillsborough, new coronavirus cases have risen to 129 positive and five deaths as of Wednesday. 49 out of the 129 residents have recovered, Hillsborough Mayor Doug Tomson said.

Hillsborough is also collecting non-perishable items for the Hillsborough Food Pantry to help those in need.

Township residents are encouraged to do the following two things to help:

1. As part of your regular shopping, consider purchasing a few items from the list below
2. Organize a mini neighborhood food drive - while practicing safety and social distancing - put a bin on your front steps and email or text your neighbors the list.

Collected items can be dropped off at the Peter J. Biondi Municipal Building, located at 379 South Branch Road, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday - Friday. Proceed to the rear of the building by the gazebo, where residents will find a red shopping card, simply place the items in the card and staff members will see to it that they are placed into the stock to service the C.A.N. clients.

Anyone wishing to utilize the food pantry services should print out the application online, then make an appointment to bring in the completed application and show proof of residency.

The items that are needed are listed below, but any non perishable items, including pet foods will also be accepted:

• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Mac and cheese
• Boxed pasta
• Spaghetti sauce
• Tomato sauces
• Boxed potatoes
• Rice
• Coffee
• Canned fruit
• Tuna
• Canned chicken
• Canned deviled ham
• Cereal
• Dish detergent
• Laundry detergent
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels

In Somerset County the totals have risen to 101 deaths and 2,001 positive coronavirus tests.

Here is a breakdown of Somerset County towns and number of COVID-19 cases as of Thursday by Somerset County Department of Public Health:

• Bedminster - 25, 3 deaths
• Bernards Township - 127, 6 deaths
• Bernardsville - 36, 1 death
• Bound Brook - 90, 2 deaths
• Branchburg - 50, 1 death
• Bridgewater - 215, 24 deaths
• Far Hills - 2
• Franklin - 543, 35 death
• Green Brook - 75, 10 deaths
• Hillsborough - 129, 5 deaths
• Manville - 63, 1 death
• Millstone - 2
• Mongtomery - 53, 1 death
• North Plainfield - 161, 8 deaths
• Peapack-Gladstone - 224, 1 death
• Raritan - 39
• Rocky Hill - 4
• Somerville - 54, 1 death
• South Bound Brook - 36, 1 death
• Warren - 68, 3 death
• Watchung - 48, 2 death

Beginning on Thursday, Somerset County and Hunterdon County will open a joint new coronavirus drive-thru testing site at Raritan Valley Community College.

The test site at RVCC, at 118 Lamington Rd. in Branchburg, will open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 16, 17 and 20. Testing is for county residents only and they must have an appointment. Read More: Somerset, Hunterdon Counties Open Joint Coronavirus Testing Site

Gov. Phil Murphy said a June or July reopening is possible as he announced the latest numbers of the coronavirus outbreak during a Wednesday press conference: 2,625 new cases and 351 more deaths. Read More: Gov. Murphy: June Reopen Possible; 351 More NJ Coronavirus Deaths

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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