'Remain Calm': Fanwood Mayor Tells Residents Of Coronavirus

FANWOOD, NJ — Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr is reminding residents to stay calm as a second presumptive coronavirus case was identified in New Jersey on Thursday.

"As we all follow the news on the current COVID-19 outbreak, I remind residents to remain calm and to follow the CDC recommendations below to minimize your risk of exposure," Mahr said in an email to residents.

The Borough of Fanwood is continuing to share information related to the outbreak at fanwoodnj.org. The Westfield Regional Health Department is also sharing information at westfieldnj.gov/health.

New Jersey officials announced the second case involving a woman in her 30s at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center as travel restrictions were announced for state employees.

The individual, who has mild symptoms, had her specimen collected at Englewood Hospital and is isolating at home until the New Jersey Department of Health deems her medically cleared. (See Related: More Details In 2nd Presumptive Positive Coronavirus Case In NJ)

Fanwood offered these tips to stay safe:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• 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 wipe
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask
• The CDC does not recommend that well people wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Additionally, Fanwood advised residents to take the following actions:

• Stock up on a two-week supply of food and water
• Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home
• Have non-prescription drugs and other health supplies on hand including pain relievers/fever-reducing medications, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins, tissues
• Stock up on household supplies such as toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, etc.
• Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals pharmacies and other sources and store them for personal reference
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what would be needed for them in your home
• Have pet foods and supplies
• Stock up on baby care items
• Plan for extended school and daycare closures
• Talk to your employer about telecommuting opportunities in the event that movement of people is restricted
• Plan for a sick room in the home. Designate one room that would work best, usually a bedroom with its own bathroom that no one else will use. If someone in the home becomes ill, keep them in the sick room away from others.

For more information visit Fanwood's Coronavirus information page here.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.