Gerd Altmann/Pixabay
Atlantic County COVID-19 cases rise to 9
The Atlantic County Division of Public Health has announced two additional residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total to nine cases countywide. The county's seventh case was reported earlier today.
The most recent cases include two females, one in her 40s and a second in her 20s. Both are recovering at home.
County public health officials echoed what the state has said repeatedly: with more testing will come more positives. They also confirmed that these new cases indicate there may be some community spread and underscored the importance of social distancing and self-isolation for those who are sick. Most people with mild illness will be able to recover at home without medical care.
The Centers for Disease Control has issued guidance for people who have had COVID-19 symptoms and have been caring for themselves at home. Home isolation can be discontinued once they have been fever-free for a minimum of 72 hours without the use of fever reducing medications along with an improvement in respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath, and it has been seven days since their symptoms first appeared.
There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for this virus. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Sore throat, nausea and diarrhea may also occur. Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 have developed fever and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness.
Mild symptoms include fever, some aches and pains, and dry cough. Individuals with mild symptoms are advised to stay home, rest and recover. Testing is generally not needed.
A seventh Atlantic County resident has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Division of Public Health. The man in his 30s is recovering at home.
Public health officials are investigating his contacts but confirmed that he had no known history of travel to any of the current domestic or international COVID-19 hotspots. Social distancing and quarantine continue to be the best measures to control the spread of the disease.
While those most at risk for COVID-19 include the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems, the virus can affect any one of any age. The state Department of Health has reported that 35% of New Jersey's cases have been identified in those 30-49 years of age.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 80% of those who do contract the virus should experience only mild to moderate symptoms and may not require hospitalization.
Testing equipment and resources throughout the country remain limited at this time. Health officials are indicating a change in local strategy for coronavirus testing, recommending doctors avoid testing patients except where a test result would significantly change the course of treatment.
The CDC has advised individuals with no symptoms not to be tested. Individuals with mild symptoms should stay home if they are sick and follow the guidance of their healthcare provider. If sick, you should self-isolate and also limit contact with pets and animals. All individuals should continue to practice social distancing at home and in public.
New Jersey has established two statewide drive-through testing sites, one at the Bergen County Community College and another at the PNC Center in Holmdel, both of which are supported by FEMA. Union and Passaic counties have established their own county operated sites.
If and when needed, Atlantic County has identified the Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing as a potential drive-through testing site.
For more information, visit the state information hub at COVID19.nj.gov
