OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Health Department reported that there were three new cases of COVID-19 in the county, bringing the total to six.
The new cases are:
- A man in Toms River, the second in that town
- A woman in Berkeley Township, the second in that town
- A woman in Jackson, the first in that town
These five cases join a sixth who lives in Manchester.
The Health Department and local schools have been putting out messages to residents and parents about what to do and what not to do. Most of the bullet points are the same. They are summed up here:
- Wash hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve, not your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Keep your children home when they are sick. Children should not return to school unless they have been fever-free without medication for 24 hours.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Avoid people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect regularly.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
- Encourage a “do not share” rule: food, drink, lip balm, pencils, etc.
- Have a 30-day supply of non-perishables, medicine, and medical needs like oxygen.
- Call a doctor if you feel like you’re developing symptoms.
- Stay in touch with family and loved ones
Fighting The Disease
A drive-through COVID-19 testing center will likely be another layer of safety and screening to slow the spread of the disease through Ocean County.
Ocean County Health Department officials are in talks now with local agencies to determine where the drive-through test will be located, and what the chain of command will be.
While the timeline for this service is not yet known, the county wants to get it started as soon as possible, said Brian Lippai, public information officer for the Ocean County Health Department.
There are other ways to get tested, Lippai clarified. There are tests at hospitals and private health care facilities. Testing has to be arranged through your health care provider, however.
Information On COVID-19
COVID-19 stands for coronavirus disease, and 19 stands for 2019, the year it was diagnosed.
Health officials have been using the term “flattening the curve.” This means trying to prevent the build-up of cases to the point where hospitals won’t be able to handle them all. Getting a few new cases in a given area every day is more manageable.
The difference between a “presumptive case” and an official case is designated by the Centers for Disease Control. Basically, someone can test positive for the disease locally, but will only be considered a “presumptive” case until the CDC tests them.
For more information and statistics pertaining to COVID-19, visit ochd.org. The OCHD is providing COVID Information Call Line for residents and clinicians to answer questions regarding the coronavirus. The number is 732-341-9700 ext. 7411.
You can also call the NJDOH hotline available around the clock for questions at 1-800-222-1222.
Additional information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/summary.html or the New Jersey Department of Health website at state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml.
