Old Tappan Resident Who Tested Positive For Coronavirus Dies

OLD TAPPAN, NJ — An Old Tappan resident has died after being diagnosed with new coronavirus, Mayor John Kramer announced on Friday. It is one of at least three deaths due to coronavirus that have been reported out of Bergen County since the outbreak of the epidemic.

“As of this morning, our regional Health Officer reported eight confirmed cases and one death here in Old Tappan,” Kramer said in a letter Friday afternoon. “As of late yesterday, there were 4 reported locally and nearly 200 cases throughout 52 of the 70 Bergen County towns."

Officials could provide no further information about any of the cases. They said a spike in reported cases is expected following the opening of a FEMA drive-in testing site at Bergen County Community College.

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“Old Tappan is a strong community, but these confirmed cases are a reminder to all that we are not immune to current public health concerns,” Kramer said. “All residents can make a deliberate effort to stop the transmission of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing. Please continue to heed all the recommendations of the CDC and it is similarly important that those with questions seek appropriate guidance and medical care at the direction of primary care physicians.”

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
• On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced he planned to shut down all schools on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
• Murphy also imposed new statewide restrictions on Monday, March 16, shutting restaurants, casinos, bars and gyms. He also discouraged non-essential travel in the evening, saying people should stay at home. Read more: NJ Coronavirus: Bars, Restaurants, Theaters To Shut
• 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 for two weeks, beginning Monday, March 16, to mitigate public exposure to COVID-19 coronavirus.
• The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it's closing its offices for two weeks. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus
• Murphy said on Tuesday, March 17 that he's closing all indoor malls and amusement parks and centers. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Malls Closing Due To Coronavirus, 89 New Cases
• 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
• 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
• Murphy also announced that all personal care businesses –including salons, barbers, health clubs and tattoo parlors – will be ordered to close at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. Read more: Gov. Phil Murphy: NJ Barbers, Salons, Spas Must Close

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.