Department of Health made announcement Wednesday morning
The Atlantic County Division of Public Health announced late Wednesday morning, March 25, that three additional residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total to nine cases countywide.
The eighth and ninth cases include two females, one in her 40s and a second in her 20s. Both are recovering at home. Before that, a seventh Atlantic County resident 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, according to Linda Gilmore, public information officer for Atlantic County.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the county had confirmed the seventh case.
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 reported Tuesday afternoon that 35 percent of New Jersey’s cases have been identified in those 30 to 49 years of age.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 80 percent 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, Gilmore said, adding 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
