12-year-old in Cape May County, four more in Atlantic County
By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
On Saturday, March 28, Cape May County reported an additional COVID-19 case in the City of Cape May, a 12-year-old girl, and Atlantic County reported four new cases.
“Today, Cape May County’s total has increased by one case, a 12-year-old female who is recovering at her residence, bringing us to a total of 10 cases in the county,” the Cape May County Department of Health reported.
“Four males, ranging in age from 31 to 76 years, have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in Atlantic County to 18 as of Saturday, March 28,” according to Linda Gilmore, public information officer for Atlantic County. “One patient is hospitalized while three are recovering at home.”
She added, “The statewide total of positives is now 11,124 with 140 deaths after 2,289 new cases and 32 new deaths were confirmed Saturday.”
“Of the 29,882 New Jersey residents who have been tested, 10,436 or 35 percent were positive. Officials believe it may be less than three weeks before the state reaches a peak number of cases. They are preparing for a surge in hospitalizations by mid-April,” Gilmore said.
In Cape May County, Cape May Court House has three confirmed COVID-19 cases, there are two in the City of Cape May, and one each in Avalon, Lower Township, Ocean City, Sea Isle City and Upper Township.
“There is currently no treatment for COVID-19, which is why social distancing is so important. We urge our residents to continue social distancing and taking all standard precautions such as washing your hands and frequently cleaning touched surfaces,” said Kevin Thomas, Cape May County health officer in a release Saturday.
The health department added, “Currently the testing guidelines in New Jersey state that only symptomatic (sick) individuals experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms, such as fever of 100.4 or higher, shortness of breath, and coughing, are being tested at this time. If an individual test positive they should stay at home and self-isolate. Self-isolation means creating a separate space in the home and keep a safe distance from others. Those household members who tested positive with COVID-19 should self-quarantine for 14 full days until AFTER any sick person in the household’s self-isolation period ends.”
The department said residents should “continue to take simple steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rubbing for at least 20 seconds, or using alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available;
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing;
- Stay home if you are sick;
- Regularly clean high-touch surfaces
- When you must go out for essential items practice social distancing, minimize your time out and wash your hands as soon as possible afterward.”