Parsippany Resident Killed By Coronavirus

PARSIPPANY, NJ - An 88-year-old woman is the first novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, related death in Parsippany, according to Mayor Michael Soriano.

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"It is with a heavy heart that I must announce Parsippany’s first death due to the COVID-19 outbreak. An 88-year-old female Parsippany resident passed away from the virus today," Soriano said in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the deceased, and I know I speak for the entire community in sharing that sentiment."

Soriano said that the passing must galvanize all Parsippany residents, not classified as essential
employees, to comply with Governor Murphy’s stay-at-home order.

"The only way we can defeat the spread of this virus is by keeping ourselves separated from each other. Every death due to this virus is a tragedy, and every single one of us has a major and direct part to play in preventing as many tragedies as possible. That includes social distancing in supermarkets and outdoor spaces," Soriano said, noting that under HIPAA laws, the Township cannot release any identifying information on those who have presumptively tested positive for COVID-19 beyond age, gender, and hospitalization. "Name, address, and other information is not even shared with me, nor can it be."

Soriano said he understands that residents would like this information to be publicly shared, the fact is that these laws are in place for a reason.

"The best procedure is to behave as if anyone, including ourselves, could have or be carrying COVID-19, and to practice basic sanitation and social distancing practices at all times," he said.

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
###liNJ Hospitals Lack Beds For Coronavirus Surge: Report
• 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
###liCoronavirus Drive-Through Testing Sites To Open In 5 NJ Counties

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.

Residents who have questions about the virus can contact the State of New Jersey's hotline at 1 (800) 222-1222. The hotline is home of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System, and is staffed 24 hours a day by state health workers.

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