1st Cumberland County Death Because Of Coronavirus

Patch
·4 min read

This article originally appeared on the West Deptford Patch

BRIDGETON – A Cumberland County resident has died after testing positive for the coronavirus, officials announced on Wednesday.

Cumberland County Public Information Officer Jody Hirata, along with the county’s health officer, Megan Sheppard, announced that a Bridgeton resident who tested positive for COVID-19 has passed away.

The patient was hospitalized and tested for COVID-19, but passed away before the positive test results were received.

“It is our understanding that the deceased suffered from other underlying health conditions that put them in a high risk category,” Sheppard said.

The Cumberland County Health Department is working closely with the New Jersey Department of Health to conduct an investigation to identify close contacts of the resident.

“Those identified as a close contact will be notified” said Sheppard.

Cumberland County now has one death and three confirmed cases of the coronavirus and is expecting more in the next few days

Freeholder Director Joseph Derella, in addressing Cumberland County’s relatively few confirmed cases compared to northern New Jersey counties, said: “Our semi-rural location has, so far, helped us control the spread of the virus, but, make no mistake, as testing expands so will
the number of cases.”

“We must strictly observe the restrictions mandated by the governor’s executive orders and, when we do go out to access essential services, please diligently maintain social distancing,” he said.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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Here's what else you should know:

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.