Mayor Commends Chatham On Low Coronavirus Cases, Deaths

CHATHAM, NJ – Chatham has gone more than two months without a coronavirus-related death, according to the town's mayor.

Chatham Mayor Michael Kelly provided an update Thursday morning on the town's coronavirus cases, congratulating the residents on only having six new positive cases and no coronavirus-related deaths for the entire month of August.

As of Thursday, there have been a total of 167 coronavirus cases and 33 coronavirus-related deaths in Chatham Township. There has not been a coronavirus-related death since June 24, Kelly said in his update, which was posted to Facebook.

The number of active cases on Thursday stood at six, and Morristown Medical Center reported this week that only two coronavirus patients are being treated at the hospital, Kelly said.

"The battle against the novel coronavirus is not won," Kelly said.

Kelly said Regional Health Officer Michael Fitzpatrick warned that COVID-19 infection rates could be expected to increase as more people are tested and as local businesses reopen.

Chatham will hold free COVID-19 testing for all area residents from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 15 in the Municipal Building gym at 58 Myeresville Road. Nasal swabs and antibody testing will be available at no charge. Advance registration is required.

"The success in fighting this pandemic is no accident," Kelly said in his update. "It is the result of Township resident conscientiously following guidelines for wearing face masks in public, maintaining social distancing, washing hands frequently, and staying home when feeling ill."

Ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend, Kelly, urged residents to wear masks and maintain social distancing at gatherings to protect themselves and those with underlying health issues.