Washington Township Confirms Fifth Case of COVID-19

March 25, 2020

 

The Washington Township Health Department, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Health, has confirmed an additional one (1) case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Washington Township. As of today this is the fifth case within Washington Township. The individual is in isolation, and Washington Township Health Department is following all appropriate NJ Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control protocols in conducting an efficient and comprehensive follow up.  Washington Township Health Department is identifying close contacts of this case to determine the need for self-monitoring. To date, 4402 cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in New Jersey and 221 cases have been identified in Morris County.

Currently, there is no vaccination for COVID-19.  The Health Department is urging all residents to take simple precautions to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness:

Stay home as per the directive of the Governor of New Jersey. Stay home if you are sick. Limit close contact with people who are sick if you must go out. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid handshakes. Try an elbow bump. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hand). Get a flu shot to prevent the flu if you have not done so this season.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, indicated that the virus is affecting younger individuals as well as our senior population. According to the latest data from the Center of Disease Control, 40% of the cases were younger than 50 years of age.  It is important for all residents, young and old, to follow the Executive Orders signed by the Governor to protect all of the residents of New Jersey.  While the rate of infection in Washington Township remains low compared to other parts of the state, any person showing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough and shortness of breath, residents should contact their healthcare provider to ensure they are taking the proper steps to control the spread. 

 

For more information on COVID-19:

 

Visit the COVID19 information hub at https://covid19.nj.gov/ 

 

The New Jersey Department of Health website https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

 

NJDOH Coronavirus Dashboard - https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_dashboard.shtml

 

NJPIES Call Center

1-800-222-1222

1-800-962-1253 non-NJ cell phone

 

Text: NJCOVID to 898-211 for text message updates on COVID19 in New Jersey

 

Call 211 for additional information.