Visitor Has Cape May County's 1st Positive Coronavirus Case

CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ — The County reported its first positive case Wednesday of the novel coronavirus. A 30-year-old man visiting from New York City tested positive.

Officials didn't immediately reveal where in the county he visited.

"This information is a vivid reminder that out-of-state visitors should stay home and not travel to the County during this pandemic outbreak," the County's announcement said. "Now is not the time to travel, but to remain vigilant in following recommendations for social distancing and isolation."

Governor Phil Murphy reported 162 new cases Wednesday, raising the total to 427 in New Jersey, including five deaths. Read more: NJ Coronavirus: Cases Soar By 162, Death Toll Rises To 5

The Cape May County Health Department recommended the following precautions from the Center for Disease Control:

• Practice hand washing regularly for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home when you are sick, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Keep a distance of at least 6 feet with people.
• Avoid unnecessary physical contact, such as handshaking.
• Avoid unnecessary travel, attending crowded events and social gatherings.

County officials have discouraged visitors and second-home owners from traveling to Cape May County during the outbreak. Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton said visitors should avoid the county for at least two weeks.

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"We love all of our visitors from Pennsylvania, North Jersey, New York, and further away," Thornton said. "But this is not the time to be visiting the shore as we try to focus resources needed during this pandemic to our residents."

The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce said visitors shouldn't travel to the county until at least April 1.

“We are hopeful that Cape May County will return to regular business sooner rather than later," said Vicki Clark, president of the Cape May County Chamber. "However, during this challenging time, we must focus on taking care of our residents using the limited resources we have. This step is a difficult one for everyone involved, and one that we are anxious to reverse."

Cape May and Atlantic Counties had not reported any positive cases before Wednesday. Atlantic County has now reported three positive coronavirus cases. Read more: Atlantic County Has 3 Positive Coronavirus Cases

Ocean City canceled all special events through April and closed most of its public buildings. Read more: Ocean City Cancels March, April Events Amid NJ Coronavirus Spread

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