Moorestown Man Battling Coronavirus Off Ventilator

UPDATED: A Moorestown man is off a ventilator in Cooper ICU after his family said they were searching for a potential plasma donor.

ORIGINAL:

MOORESTOWN, NJ — A Moorestown family is seeking help for a man who is currently hospitalized on a ventilator in the Cooper Hospital ICU with new coronavirus.

John Pratsinakis is fighting for his life against the virus, his daughter said on Monday. She is asking if anyone who has already fully recovered from their battle with the virus might be a potential blood donor.

“We don’t know where this journey will lead us, but we must be prepared,” said Katerina Pratsinakis, who is asking anyone who can make a plasma donation to get in touch with her family.

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John Pratsinakis is 46 with no underlying health conditions, his daughter said. The family is also looking to help anyone else who might potentially become infected with the virus. They are advising anyone diagnosed with the virus not to take Ibuprofen.

“Everyone with my father in critical care all had Motrin or Advil in their systems,” Prastinakis said. “This virus took a turn so fast on my dad so if any of you are feeling symptoms please monitor them very carefully and reach out to your doctors.”

According to Burlington County officials, seven people in Burlington County who previously tested positive for new coronavirus have been cleared from quarantine, including two people from Moorestown. In all, 10 people have tested positive for new coronavirus in the township.

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

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," Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• 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.