Gloucester County's First Coronavirus Death Reported

GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ - The first death related to the outbreak of new coronavirus in Gloucester County was reported on Friday.

An 82-year-old woman who was hospitalized with underlying medical conditions has passed away after testing positive for coronavirus, Gloucester County officials announced. Officials didn’t immediately say where she was hospitalized, or what town she lived in.

“We are saddened to report the first Covid-19 related death in Gloucester County, and we extend are deepest sympathy to her family and friends,” Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said.

As of Friday, there were 108 deaths due to coronavirus statewide. Read more here: 1.9K Coronavirus Cases, 27 Die As Sick Beds May Run 60K Short

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On Friday, county officials also reported an additional nine positive cases of the virus, bringing the total to 42. Trace investigations are underway in the new cases, which include:

• A 51-year-old woman from West Deptford;
• A 71-year-old woman from Westville;
• A 62-year-old woman from Franklin Township;
• A 46-year-old man from Woodbury;
• A 55-year-old woman from Logan;
• A 54-year-old man from Monroe;
• A 40-year-old woman from Washington Township;
• A 27-year-old man from Monroe; and
• A 76-year-old woman from Washington Township.

At this time, officials said the overall threat of coronavirus to Gloucester County residents remains low. Residents should to stay home when possible and adhere to social distancing and respiratory and hand hygiene recommendations. This is crucial in helping flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

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," Health Commissioner Judith 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
• 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

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.