Only Two Coronavirus Cases In Summit In 10 Days

SUMMIT, NJ — On Sunday, the city of Summit got a report from the local health department that two individuals had tested positive for coronavirus, one under 18 and one in the 19-24 age group. However, those were the only two positive cases reported in the city this week. Before that, the last positive cases were reported on July 15.

The total number of cases reported in Summit since the beginning of the pandemic is now 226.

Seventeen Summit residents have passed away due to the virus since the pandemic began in March, none recently.

Two weeks ago, Gov. Phil Murphy said people should be aware of increasing cases of young people and younger adults with coronavirus, and how that will factor into school reopenings. He noted that recent upticks in cases show that young people can spread the virus.

Some towns, like Westfield and Hoboken, have been advising their teens and younger adults to get tested after attending recent parties.

A large-scale study in South Korea, quoted widely in a variety of American media outlets last week, has shown that teens spread the virus at the same rate as adults, and more easily than younger children.

On Facebook earlier this month, the city of Summit noted, "June began with 205 cases and ended with 215. That's 10 cases in 30 days. Right now we are at six cases in 12 days. Let's keep our numbers down. Remind those around you, particularly young adults to wear a mask."

On July 15, Murphy ordered residents to wear masks outdoors in areas where they must be near other people.

Some North Jersey cities have said that their contract tracing showed that an uptick was due, in part, to out-of-state travel. States like Texas, Florida, and Arizona are seeing a record number of hospitalizations.

Residents are now expected to quarantine after traveling to 35 states.

See the daily total of cases and deaths in each U.S. state here.

Statistics and to get tested in Union County

Additional statistics for Summit are available at https://www.cityofsummit.org/coronavirus.

For more information on local testing, talk to your physician, visit covid19.nj.gov/testing, see this link for information on Union County testing, or call 908-214-7107.

Some insurance companies are waiving fees associated with coronavirus and antibody tests, including at urgent cares; check with your insurance.

Got a news tip or just want to reach out? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. To keep up with breaking news in Summit and statewide when it happens, and get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts and daily newsletters.