Cape May Court House – According to the New Jersey State Health Department, more than half of New Jersey’s 375 long-term care facilities have at least one resident who has tested positive for COVID-19. Cape May County has reported 19 residents, and 14 staff members that have tested positive at several assistive living and long-term care facilities throughout the County. Three of those nursing home residents have sadly passed. 

“Our condolences go out to the families who have lost loved ones. We ask our residents to abide social distancing measures and strictly adhere to quarantine and isolation mandates if ill or exposed,” said Freeholder Jeff Pierson, liaison to the Health Department. “By practicing the guidance given by CDC we can help stop the spread of this disease and save lives.” 

As the cases of COVID-19 continues to grow, the data clearly shows that everyone is at risk of getting the virus. According to the CDC, older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of developing serious complications. It has been reported that eight out of 10 deaths reported in the United States have been adults 65 years and older. 

There are at least 51,027 positive cases of the novel coronavirus in the New Jersey and 1,700 deaths. Currently, Cape May County has 116 positive cases and 4 deaths.

To reduce your risk of getting sick, follow these simple guidelines:

• Stay Home, unless to go out for essentials
• Wash your hands often.
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others (stay 6 feet away, which is about two arm lengths).

For more information call the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System hotline at 211 or 1-800-962-1253, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov, the World Health Organization at www.who.int, the New Jersey Department of Health at COVID19.nj.gov. For additional information visit Cape May County Department of Health at www.cmchealth.net, also like us on Facebook.