2 More Coronavirus Deaths Reported In Cherry Hill
CHERRY HILL, NJ — Two Cherry Hill residents were among five new fatalities related to new coronavirus announced in Camden County on Tuesday. Another 97 positive cases were also reported by county officials.
Two Cherry Hill men — one in his 70s and one in his 90s — were among the five fatalities reported by Camden County officials on Tuesday. The other fatalities included:
A Gloucester City man in his 80s;
A Gloucester Township woman in her 60s; and
A Camden man in his 50s.
Three Cherry Hill residents who tested positive for new coronavirus have now died. The other two women in their 90s. There have been 23 total fatalities related to coronavirus in Camden County. Read more here: First Coronavirus Death Reported In Cherry Hill
Statewide, the total number of cases has risen to 44,416, and 1,232 people have died. Read more here: Gov. Murphy Closes Parks On NJ Coronavirus Crisis’s Deadliest Day
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“Today we learned of five additional lives lost to this terrible virus. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who continue to endure loss during this crisis. Again, we are seeing another rise in cases today that I believe is directly related to the expansion of testing sites. That said, we need to keep doubling down on our social distancing and lock all windows and doors when it comes to mitigation,” Gloucester County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said. “For many of us, these coming weeks represent the toughest challenge we have faced in our lifetimes, as we reach the expected peak of the virus’ activity in the United States. If we continue to stay home, maintain appropriate social distance, and follow the advice of medical professionals and experts, we will defeat this virus and we will overcome this unprecedented obstacle together."
The total number of positive cases in Camden County is now 780. The following new cases were reported in Cherry Hill. Trace investigations are now underway:
MALE, 50s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
FEMALE, 80s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
MALE, 80s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
MALE, 60s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
MALE, 20s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
FEMALE, 80s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
MALE, 30s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
MALE, 40s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
FEMALE, 60s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
MALE, 40s, CHERRY HILL TOWNSHIP
All county parks were set to close at 8 p.m. Tuesday night, in compliance with Gov. Phil Murphy’s orders that all state and county parks close indefinitely. Wharton State Forest stretches into the southeastern portion of the county, and will be closed.
This full closure includes all park lots, grounds, facilities, trails, and playgrounds. Although residents are allowed to exercise outside under the governor’s stay at home order, these closures are intended to further reduce instances of individuals gathering in groups and further the state’s social distancing efforts, officials said.
“Just as the governor mentioned today, we have received reports throughout the county of groups of people violating gathering restrictions while visiting parks and recreational areas to enjoy the start of spring,” Camden County Freeholder Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the Parks Department, said. “Just because you are outside does not mean that you can stop social distancing, congregate in groups, or ignore other crucial guidance. In order to protect yourself and your family, you need to stay home. We know that our residents want to enjoy the spring weather outdoors, but all of us have to do our part if we are going to break the back of the virus and save lives.”
State Park Police will patrol state park areas to ensure the public is following the governor’s directives to stay home and help limit the spread of coronavirus.
Also on Tuesday, Camden County lit City Hall in Camden and the James J. Florio Center for Public Service blue to celebrate healthcare workers serving on the front lines of the fight against coronavirus.
“While the rest of us are staying home to slow the spread of coronavirus, these selfless men and women are putting their lives in danger each and every day in service of others,” Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. said. “In a traditional war, soldiers serve on the front lines against America’s adversaries. In the war against this virus, nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers have taken their place on the battlefield, treating the sick and risking their own health in pursuit of a better future for the rest of us. They are American heroes of historic proportions, and they will be forever be remembered for their bravery and patriotism. This gesture of celebration is just one way that our community will look to thank them for their service in the many years to come.”
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
This article originally appeared on the Cherry Hill Patch