12 Positive Coronavirus Tests In Point Pleasant Boro In 1 Day

POINT PLEASANT BORO —Point Pleasant Boro had one of its biggest increases in coronavirus cases in one day on Thursday. At the same time, local emergency personnel took time to thank the community as Point Pleasant Boro pushes through the crisis.

The Ocean County Health Department reported that the Boro's number of cases increased by 12, from 36 to 48.

As cases rise, the Point Boro EMS took time on Facebook this week to thank local residents and businesses for their support as they've found themselves busy during the outbreak.

The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise statewide 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. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Mayor Robert A. Sabosik posted on the town's website on Thursday and pointed local merchants to business assistance programs for those suffering economic hardship from COVID-19.

"There are also some links to assist nonprofit organizations along with links as to what your employees are entitled to during this crisis as well," he said. "You should consult the program websites (or a financial advisor) for specific information and qualifications based on your business."

You can find out more by clicking here.

Here are the latest updates from Point Pleasant Boro and Point Pleasant Beach:

CASES:

• Point Pleasant Boro had 48 cases as of Thursday, and Point Pleasant Beach had four.

SCHOOLS:

• All schools in Point Pleasant Boro and Point Pleasant Beach will remain closed indefinitely in response to the new coronavirus outbreak, state officials said. Gov. Phil Murphy said he would revisit the issue no earlier than April 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy

BUSINESSES:

• Many local businesses are in our guide of what's open, closed in Point Pleasant and Point Pleasant Beach during the coronavirus shutdowns. Read more: What's Open, Closed In Point Pleasant Amid Coronavirus Shutdowns
• Point Pleasant Beach, Bay Head and Mantoloking agreed to close their beaches on April 3rd. Read more: Beaches To Close In Point Pleasant Beach, Bay Head, Mantoloking
• Point Pleasant Beach closed its boardwalk in late March after warning people not to congregate in the area. Read more: Point Pleasant Beach Closes Boardwalk Due To Coronavirus Crisis
• 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
• Morgan Taylor, a waitress at The Ark, got the "most amazing breath of fresh air" before non-essential businesses were shut. Read more: As Point Pleasant Beach Businesses Shut, A 'Breath Of Fresh Air'

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

• Point Pleasant Boro says it's taking steps to "flatten the curve" of coronavirus as cases continue to rise in the community, prohibiting vacation rental-by-owners in town and asking people to stay in their primary communities. Read more: Point Pleasant Boro Prohibits Vacation Rentals Due To Coronavirus
• Point Pleasant Beach is placing a moratorium on the renting of all vacation homes and properties. This will include all online, private and realtor driven transactions. Read more: Point Pleasant Beach Closes Boardwalk Due To Coronavirus Crisis

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
• 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.