Cape May Court House- New Jersey has 175,915 total COVID-19 positive cases and 13,635 deaths. Total positive cases of COVID-19 infection in Cape May County is now 851 including 75 deaths.  Sadly, we are announcing the passing of a 59-year-old male from Wildwood and a 78-year-old female from Lower Township.  “I am deeply saddened by the news of this loss of life,” said Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton. “I pray that the families of the departed will have the strength needed to get through this sad time.” Additionally, there are 5 new out of county positive cases that are included in the Non-resident Active Cases listed below.

Visiting Beaches and Pools

The places we visit to swim, play, and relax in water include beaches — swim areas in oceans, lakes, and other natural bodies of water — and pools, water playgrounds, and hot tubs. There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread to people through water in these places.

The virus is thought to spread mostly person-to-person, by respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. The virus might also spread to hands from a contaminated surface and then to the nose, mouth, or possibly eyes. Infected people can spread the virus whether or not they have symptoms.

Fortunately, there are several actions you can take to reduce your risk of getting or spreading the virus when you go to public swim areas, such as beaches, pools, water playgrounds, and hot tubs.

Before you go:

• Stay home if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• Check to see if the public swim area, pool, water playground, or hot tub has steps in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Bring supplies that help you and others stay healthy—for example, a cloth face covering (or two, for each person, in case one gets wet), hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, disinfectant wipes, tissues, and paper towels.

Use social distancing in and out of the water

• Whether you’re in or out of the water, stay at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.
• Avoid crowded swim areas, beaches, pools, water playgrounds, and hot tubs where you cannot stay 6 feet away from others.

Wear cloth-face coverings when you are not in the water

• Wear cloth face coverings when you are not in the water.
  • Do not place a cloth face covering on children younger than 2 years of age or on anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cover without help.
• Face coverings are especially important when physical distancing is hard.

Wash hands often and avoid sharing items

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or drinking and when you arrive and leave the swim area. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and rub until your hands are dry.
  • Hand sanitizers are not as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, so wipe sand or dirt off before applying it.
• Avoid sharing items, such as food, equipment, toys, and supplies, with people who don’t live with you.
• If you are not wearing your cloth face covering, make sure to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inside of your elbow, throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands immediately, or if soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

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.