First Coronavirus Death In Cape May County Reported

UPPER TOWNSHIP — The first coronavirus death in Cape May County was reported on Saturday.

The Cape May County Department of Health reported that a 72-year-old woman from Upper Township with underlying health conditions died from COVID-19.

“I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones during this time of loss,” said Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton. “As COVID-19 continues to spread in Cape May County, we must all do what we can to keep each other safe.”

Health Officer Kevin Thomas emphasized the importance of all residents to do their part to slow the spread of the virus and protect those in our communities who might be at higher risk of severe illness or death.

The most vulnerable include those over 65-years-old and those with underlying health conditions.

The announcement came as Gov. Phil Muprhy announced that 200 more people died statewide on Saturday. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Additionally, 16 more positive cases of COVID-19 were reported on Saturday, which brings the total to 69 in Cape May County.

These cases include a 73-year-old male, a 47-year-old male, a 53-year-old female, a 32-year-old female, a 36-year-old female, a 40-year-old female, a 36-year-old female, a 28-year-old female, a 90-year-old male, a 56-year-old female, a 86-year-old male, a 81-year-old male, a 89-year -old female, a 69-year-old female, a 83-year-old female, and a 76-year-old female.

Here are where the cases have been reported so far:

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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
• 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
• A new report from ProPublica says New Jersey hospitals would be hard pressed to meet demand – even in a best-case scenario – if the coronavirus outbreak surges. Read more: NJ Hospitals Lack Beds For Coronavirus Surge: Report
• 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
• After two FEMA sites opened, officials said five more counties will be getting coronavirus testing sites. Read more: Coronavirus Drive-Through Testing Sites To Open In 5 NJ Counties

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.