The Cape May County Health Department is sad to report that a 65-year-old female resident from Dennis Township and a 92-year-old female from Lower Township have died of COVID-19. Cape May County’s positive case count is now 302 total including 20 deaths from Covid-19.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of these residents,” said Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton. “While we have expected more cases, these deaths are another reminder that protection of our community is critical.”

“While most cases of COVID-19 exhibit mild or moderate symptoms, these tragic deaths underscores the urgent need for us to take extra steps to protect residents who are particularly vulnerable to developing more serious illness, including elderly persons and those with underlying health conditions,” said Cape May County Freeholder Jeff Pierson.

In addition to handwashing and other basic steps the public at large can take to prevent illness, Cape May County Health Department recommends additional measures to prevent exposure among  vulnerable people, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions (such as diabetes, cancer, immunodeficiency, asthma, COPD and others). Public Health recommends that vulnerable people:

• Stay home as much as possible. Arrange for someone to deliver groceries and other items you need. Ensure you have at least a two-week supply of medication on hand.
• When staying home, healthy visitors are fine – but visitors who have fever, cough, or sore throat should be turned away. Encourage phone calls and video chats instead.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating or before touching your face.
• If you need to leave the house, minimize contact with other people and with common surfaces. Stay at least six feet away from others. Avoid touching shared surfaces like door handles, or counters. Use clothing or a paper towel instead of bare hands to open doors, for example. Wash hands or use hand sanitizer after touching any shared surfaces or objects.

“If you are healthy and not at higher risk, please look out for friends and loved ones who would be considered more vulnerable and offer support,” Cape May County Health Officer Kevin Thomas said. “We are working with New Jersey State Health Department partners to limit the impacts of this disease in long term care facilities and to our community, but we need the public’s help as well.”

Call your healthcare professional if you have concerns about COVID-19 and your underlying health conditions. Stay up to date on the current situation as it evolves. Some reliable sources are 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 https://capemaycountynj.gov/ or Cape May County Department of Health at www.cmchealth.net, also like us on Facebook.