West Orange Resident Tests Positive For Coronavirus

WEST ORANGE – A West Orange resident tested positive for the new coronavirus, officials announced.

Here is the police's announcement:

The WOHD received notification from the NJDOH regarding a Positive Case of Covid-19 within the Township. Members of our taskforce are working with state and hospital partners to get more information and begin the process of contact tracing. This is not a time to panic! This a time to follow the instructions of your local, county and state officials. All residents are urged to stay home as much as they can, avoid large groups, continue the practice of good handwashing and personal hygiene, and practice social distancing. Further information will be made available as it is received
Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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
• 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.