Coronavirus Numbers Jump In Manasquan

Tom Davis
Updated ·4 min read

MANASQUAN — With New Jersey entering the second wave of the coronavirus, the disease's presence in Manasquan has continued to rise over the past month.

Manasquan's cases increased from 80 on Sept. 21st to 99 on Thursday, a 23 percent jump.

The increase in cases comes as Gov. Phil Murphy announced that the second wave of the coronavirus has begun in New Jersey. The Garden State has had 12 straight days of new daily cases topping 1,000, the most in five months. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ's Second Wave Of The Coronavirus Is Here

Murphy, however, has said he doesn't plan to reverse any reopenings. In fact, Murphy has suggested that he may allow schools and businesses to expand their capacity if the state can find a way to manage the spread.

State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said contact tracers have been redeployed to the region to investigate if the new cases are related.

Persichilli said New Jersey has seen new cases linked to not only to celebratory gatherings but also solemn gatherings such as in funerals.

"No matter the reason, this increase in cases reminds us that this virus is unrelenting," she said. "It treats everyone the same. We are fighting an invisible enemy, and we must continue to be cognizant of that fact, and we must continue to be vigilant to protect ourselves and our loved ones."

Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley also announced there were 106 new positive cases of COVID-19 in Monmouth County on Thursday. There are two new deaths being reported today related to COVID-19 in Monmouth County.

Monmouth County will offer free COVID-19 testing for County residents on Saturday, Oct. 31 in Long Branch from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bucky James Community Center, 231 Wilbur Ray Ave.

Residents should note the clinic has 100 tests and once those are administered, the clinic will close for the day. More information about the County’s COVID-19 testing program is available on www.visitmonmouth.com.

Here are the latest local updates from Manasquan:

CASES:

  • Manasquan had 99 cases as of Thursday, Oct. 29th, according to the Monmouth County Health Department.

ASSISTANCE:

  • Manasquan has launched a relief initiative to provide support to those in distress. The Manasquan Borough mayor and council say they recognize the unprecedented health-related and financial hardships that many residents are experiencing as a result of this insidious pandemic. Read more: Manasquan Launches '5 Star COVID-19 Initiative'

HOSPITALS AND TESTING:

  • Hackensack Meridian offers COVID19 testing at its nine urgent care centers in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

  • Immediate care of Marlboro is offering a drive-thru COVID19 test in the Marlboro Medical Arts site located at 479 Rt 520 in Marlboro. Testing is by appointment only at (855) 925-5467 ext 0.

  • The PNC Bank Arts Center is a regional FEMA drive-thru test location and is open for testing every other day from 8 a.m. to 4pm for up to 500 persons per day. Click here for PNC Arts Test Center info & schedule.

  • On every Saturday, the PNC Bank Arts Center site will be dedicated to symptomatic health care workers and first responders -- police, fire, and EMS -- with valid credentials only. The general public will not be able to access this site on Saturdays.

  • Central Jersey Urgent Care is testing up to 80 patients daily at Eatontown, Howell and Marlboro.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

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.

This article originally appeared on the Manasquan-Belmar Patch