Cape May Court House- The number of COVID-19 cases in New Jersey is 141,560 and 9,702 deaths. With great remorse, the County Health Department reports that a 68-year-old male and 59-year-old male from Woodbine passed away from COVID-19. Total positive cases of COVID-19 infection in Cape May County is now 483 including 38 deaths. 

“The loss of anyone to this disease is a tragedy, so it is heartbreaking to announce that two more Cape May County residents have passed from this terrible pandemic,” said Cape May County Freeholder Jeff Pierson. “Pray for the loved ones.”

It has been three months since New Jersey declared a State of Emergency in response to COVID-19, followed by a series of orders by the Governor to promote social distancing and slow the spread of the virus. According to Kevin Thomas, Health Officer, “If we focus on the number of positive cases in the community compared to the long term care facilities, then it appears that social distancing measures are working. It may not seem like it, because new cases are reported daily, but we have yet to see a dramatic increase in cases as has been experienced in other New Jersey Counties.” This demonstrates that we need to keep up the good social distancing practice, wash hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and only go out for essential services and exercise. Without a vaccine or approved treatment, social distancing is the most powerful weapon we have in the fight against COVID-19, which each one of us can do.

Cape May County Department of Health’s social distancing campaign, Six Feet Saves, will launch on May 15, 2020 in Cape May. The campaign will be comprised of Social Distance Ambassadors who will remind people to distance themselves six feet. In addition, the ambassadors will hand out educational materials on how to prevent being exposed to COVID-19. Social Distancing Ambassadors will be wearing vests with the county seal on them so they can be easily identified. 

Six Feet Saves Lives Social Distance Ambassador team will be made up of Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) members and Cape May County Department of Health staff. MRC is a volunteer program made up of medical and non-medical individuals. To learn more about MRC and how you can volunteer visit cmchealth.net or call (609) 463-6692. 

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.