2nd Death Due To Coronavirus In New Jersey

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy announced New Jersey's second death due to the coronavirus on Saturday evening.

The woman, who was in her 50s, was being treated at CentraState Medical Center in Monmouth County.

"Sad to announce our second death of an individual with #COVID19 – a female in her 50s who was being treated at @CentraState Medical Center in Monmouth County," Murphy announced on Twitter.

"Please wash your hands frequently and practice social distancing. We will get through this together."

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said the person may be connected to a family gathering in Monmouth County, where multiple people tested positive for the coronavirus, as well as the first fatal case that involved a man in Bergen County earlier this month.

The woman had a brother who was friends with the victim in Bergen County, Persichilli said. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor

Earlier on Saturday, New Jersey officials announced that the number of people with the coronavirus in the state had risen to 69. That number rose to 98 on Sunday. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Ocean County officials also said a pregnant Toms River woman tested positive for the coronavirus. Read more: Pregnant Toms River Woman Is Positive For Coronavirus: County

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

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
• Before Murphy's announcement, schools and colleges across the state already canceled classes, move classes online and prepared 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
• 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
• 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

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 is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.