Mercer County Officials Urge Precautions, Prep For Coronavirus

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Mercer County officials are joining with state officials in preparing for coronavirus.

“We want our residents to know that we share your concerns about the coronavirus,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said in a statement issued Monday evening. “The Mercer County Division of Public Health has been monitoring the outbreak and has been in daily contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New Jersey Department of Health in order to provide you with the most current and accurate information.”

There have not been any cases of coronavirus reported in New Jersey as of Monday evening, and officials said the likelihood of exposure to the disease remains low. However, Hughes said his administration will remain vigilant as the situation develops and more is learned about the virus.

Earlier in the day, a spokesperson for Rider University said one student studying abroad in Italy had been recalled, and the university was suspending university-related travel to Italy. Read more here: Rider Recalls 1 Student, Suspends Travel Amid Coronavirus Fears

Hughes said everyone can play a part in responding to this emerging public health threat. It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and the CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine and taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs.

This includes covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; staying home if you are sick; avoiding shaking hands; and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects.

The CDC also recommends washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing, and using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Hughes said county officials are increasing the number of hand-sanitizer dispensers in all county facilities.

As of Monday, six people have died of coronavirus after officials announced four more residents of Washington state have died of the disease. All of those deaths have occurred in Washington state in the last few days, including four at a senior housing facility.

The federal government has been working closely with state and local partners, as well as public health partners, to respond to this public health threat. Unprecedented, aggressive efforts have been taken to contain the spread and mitigate the impact of this virus.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy held an emergency meeting Monday morning to prepare New Jersey's response to the virus.

New Jersey has established a 24-Hour Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for people with questions about the coronavirus. The hotline is staffed by trained healthcare professionals. To date, the hotline has received more than 800 calls from the public.