2 Fanwood Seniors Test Positive For Coronavirus, Die

FANWOOD, NJ — Two Fanwood seniors tested positive for the new coronavirus and died, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr said Monday.

A 99-year-old man underlying health issues living at the Chelsea at Fanwood assisted living residence was taken to Overlook Hospital for an unrelated issue on Monday where he was found to test positive for COVID-19.

A 79-year-old woman with underlying health issues was also hospitalized and died.

"Both had tested positive for COVID-19, but it is unclear at this time what role the virus played in this outcome. Our thoughts are with the families that have lost their loved ones, and we ask that everyone respect their privacy," Mahr said.

The Westfield Regional Health Department continues to monitor the situation.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our resident," said Annette Watson, executive director of the Chelsea. "We continue to take proactive measures which include increasing the frequency of cleaning, screening all staff members at the start of shifts, monitoring residents for any health changes twice a shift, and we have identified and quarantined anyone who was in close contact of the resident who tested positive. Additionally, we are still restricting visitors, have discontinued group activities and discontinued communal meals. We will remain in daily contact with the Westfield Regional Health Department and continue to follow guidance from them, the state health department and the CDC."

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Families of all Chelsea residents have been informed of the situation.

No visitors have been allowed at any of Chelsea's 18 operational communities since March 12 and managers have been monitoring their residents and staff members almost hourly.

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