1 Death, 27 Coronavirus Cases At N. Cape May Care Facility

Update: The Cape May County Health Department reported Tuesday evening that a resident at Victoria Manor died from the virus. The story has been updated to reflect that and contains updated statistics.

NORTH CAPE MAY, NJ — A resident at a North Cape May longterm care facility died from the novel coronavirus, officials announced Tuesday. Fifteen residents and 12 staff have tested positive for the virus at Victoria Manor.

The resident — an 86-year-old man with "significant" underlying health conditions — was recently hospitalized, according to the Cape May County Health Department

“A death in Cape May County shows the gravity of the situation,” Freeholder Jeff Pierson said in a statement. “It’s critically important for us all to take actions that will help protect our most vulnerable citizens. By working together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and help ensure the health care system will be able to care for those who need it most.”

Officials have confirmed 100 positive cases of the virus in Cape May County as of Tuesday evening, including two deaths. Fifteen people were cleared off quarantine.

Victoria Manor is a skilled nursing facility with 120 beds. The CMCHD began investigating when it was notified of ill staff and residents in the facility. The CMCHD tested them and then delivered 400 surgical masks and 200 gowns.

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Staff and residents who don't have serious symptoms are monitored and medically isolated but not hospitalized. The facility continues to follow all Center for Disease Control guidelines for outbreaks in long-term care facilities, including deep cleaning regularly, the CMCHD says.

According to officials, 110 of the state's 375 longterm care facilities have at least one positive coronavirus patient.

"Public Health has been preparing for the possibility of outbreaks happening in skilled nursing facilities and other congregate care settings, and we have provided clear guidance for facilities in responding and controlling the spread of illness," said Mary Tighe, assistant director of public health nursing.

North Cape May is in Lower Township, which has reported 35 coronavirus cases — the largest total in Cape May County. Three have recovered, according to the CMCHD.

A 72-year-old woman from Upper Township with underlying health conditions died from COVID-19, officials reported Saturday. She was the first reported person in the county to die from the virus. Read more: First Coronavirus Death In Cape May County Reported

Governor Phil Murphy announced 3,361 new cases and 232 more deaths Tuesday in New Jersey. The State has reported 44,416 positive cases and 1,232 deaths from the virus.

See Cape May County's coronavirus figures as of Tuesday evening:

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