State Of Emergency Declared For Mercer County Due To Coronavirus

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes has declared a countywide state of emergency to help coordinate local response to the outbreak of new coronavirus.

Executive Order 2020-01 authorizes all necessary county agencies to take appropriate action to assist municipal governments in containing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the coronavirus outbreak, Hughes said in a statement Thursday night.

It follows Gov. Phil Murphy's direction in recommending cancellation of all scheduled public gatherings of more than 250 people, including concerts, parades and events.

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“We understand that our residents are concerned about this rapidly evolving situation, and we’re determined to take whatever steps are necessary to minimize the risks for the people of Mercer County,” Hughes said, adding that the county is following all infectious disease guidelines and protocol as provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The executive order also allows Mercer County and its municipalities to seek federal reimbursement for extraordinary measures.

Hughes said that while issuance of the executive order is a necessary step, the CDC reports that for the majority of people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low, and there is no cause for alarm. He urged everyone to continuing taking everyday preventive actions to keep themselves healthy.

The first case linked to Mercer County was reported earlier this week, when Robbinsville Township reported that a 62-year-old man who tested presumptive positive for coronavirus following a trip to Italy works at Mercer-Bucks Cardiology. The office has been closed indefinitely. Read more here: Man In Burlington County Coronavirus Case Works At Medical Center

It remains the only coronavirus case linked to Mercer County as of Thursday night.

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.

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know