Latest Belmar Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

BELMAR —The new coronavirus outbreak in New Jersey and across the nation is having impacts in Belmar, including the closure of schools and many businesses.

The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures and closures continue to be announced. The governor has declared a "stay-at-home" order for the entire state. All non-life-sustaining businesses in New Jersey have been closed.

Gov. Phil Murphy has been announcing reopening dates as cases continue to declined. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Here are the latest local updates from Belmar:

CASES:

• Belmar had 32 cases as of Saturday, May 23, according to the Monmouth County Health Department.

SCHOOLS:

• All schools in Belmar will remain closed through the academic year. Read more: New Jersey Schools Closed For Rest Of Academic Year: Gov. Murphy

BEACHES:

• Belmar set its beach reopening in place after Gov. Phil Murphy said that the Jersey Shore can restart its summer plans. Read more: Belmar Developing Plan For Opening Beach On Memorial Day Weekend
• In an effort to protect seniors, Belmar is offering two options for purchasing senior seasonal beach badges. Read more: Belmar Offers Options To Seniors For Buying Beach Badges

BUSINESSES:

• Could you imagine breakfast without a "Dr. Fauci donut?" Jersey Shore Medical Center workers won't have to worry anymore after Main Street Donuts in Belmar ran a "Dr. Fauci" donut drive, named after the leading pandemic disease expert at the White House. Read more: If You Bought 'Dr. Fauci Donuts' In Belmar, You Helped A Hospital
• Mike Morin and his brother, Bryan, co-owners of Federico's Pizza and Restaurant on Main Street in Belmar, took out a credit line of $50,000 to make sure their employees will get paid during the coronavirus crisis. Read more: Belmar Restaurant's 50K Credit Line Pays Workers Amid Coronavirus
• Bryan Morin, co-owner of Federico's Pizzeria & Restaurant in Belmar, later told The Asbury Park Press that he was diagnosed with the coronavirus but he's on the mend. The restaurant hopes to reopen very soon. Read more: Belmar Eatery That Helped Workers Deals With Coronavirus: Report

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.

OTHER CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES

• Belmar has issued an emergency parking declaration as the community continues to be impacted by the coronavirus crisis. Read more: Belmar Declares Emergency Parking Rules In Coronavirus Outbreak
• Belmar declared a state of emergency. Read more: Belmar Declares State Of Emergency Due To Coronavirus
• Murphy issued a state-at-home order and closed non-essential businesses earlier in March. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus

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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.