Second Gloucester County Resident Dies Of Coronavirus: Officials

GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ — A 68-year-old Gloucester County man has died after testing positive for new coronavirus, county officials announced on Tuesday. The man had been hospitalized with underlying medical conditions.

He is the second person in the county who has died as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The first was an 82-year-old woman, who had also been hospitalized with underlying medical conditions. The county hasn’t named the town either resident is from.

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Two more West Deptford residents have also tested positive for new coronavirus. They were among 31 new positive cases of the virus identified on Tuesday. Trace investigations are underway in all the new cases, including the cases of 61-year-old woman and 56-year-old man from West Deptford.

As of Tuesday, Gloucester County has conducted 909 total tests, 752 of which have come back negative. The total number of positive cases countywide is now 120, and another 37 cases are pending.

Also as of Tuesday, 267 people statewide had died of new coronavirus, and 18,696 people statewide had tested positive for the virus. Read more here: Gov. Phil Murphy: 69 More Die, 2,196 More NJ Coronavirus Cases

At this time, the overall threat of coronavirus to Gloucester County residents remains low, officials said. Gloucester County is expecting cases to rise. Social distancing is critical in flattening the curve and reducing cases. A mask should only be worn if a healthcare professional recommends it.

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.

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know