Metuchen Resident Tests Positive For Coronavirus

METUCHEN – A Metuchen individual in his or her 50s has tested positive for the new coronavirus, Mayor Jonathan M. Busch announced on Saturday.

Busch said on his Facebook page that he learned that the patient is recovering well at this time, and is in self-quarantine. "We will not be disclosing any further information on the patient at this time," he said.

To assist with this effort, the borough has closed public buildings, the school board has closed its schools and Metuchen has eliminated all recreational activities.

"As medical professionals and scientists continue to stress based on hard lessons from around the world, the only way for us to slow down the spread of coronavirus and the potential inundation of our health system is to practice recommended hygiene and limit our close social interactions," the mayor said.

Indeed, developments in the new coronavirus outbreak continue to unfold rapidly in New Jersey now that the number of cases has risen to 69, and two person have died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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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
• Schools and colleges across the state continued to cancel classes, move classes online and prepare for an outbreak that could get worse. Read more: Coronavirus NJ School Closures: Here's The Latest (UPDATE)
• Murphy has declared a state of emergency, which allows his administration to expand its powers to treat the illness. Read more: NJ Gov. Murphy Declares State Of Emergency Because Of Coronavirus
• 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
• State health officials have issued a long list of coronavirus outbreak guidelines for New Jersey schools and colleges now that the number of cases continues to climb in the United States and across the Garden State. Read more: NJ Issues New Coronavirus Guidelines For Schools, Colleges (UPDATE)
• 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
• The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission also extended expiration dates for driver licenses, registrations and inspection stickers. Read more: NJ Driver's License Changes Because Of Coronavirus Outbreak
• Murphy recommended on Thursday, March 12 that gatherings of 250 people or more should be canceled. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Should Cancel Large Gatherings Due To Coronavirus
• Hospitals also issued additional restrictions to visitors. Read more: New Hospital Restrictions In NJ Coronavirus Outbreak
• Compiled by Johns Hopkins University, this interactive map lets you track confirmed coronavirus cases in real time. Read more: Coronavirus Tracker: Latest Numbers In New Jersey
• Bayer has closed their Morristown and Whippany locations until further notice. Read more: Pharmaceutical Giant Closes NJ Offices Amidst Coronavirus Concern
• PSE&G is giving financially struggling customers a break in "the interest of protecting public health." Read more: PSEG Stops Gas, Electric Shut-Offs As NJ Copes With Coronavirus

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.