AtlantiCare Patient In Galloway Tests Positive For Coronavirus

GALLOWAY, NJ — A patient at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's Mainland Campus tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the hospital announced Friday. The patient was the first to test positive at an AtlantiCare facility.

"We are bound by patient confidentiality and cannot provide additional details at this time," the statement said.

Officials reported three cases of the virus in Atlantic County as of Thursday. Governor Phil Murphy announced 318 new cases of the coronavirus that day, raising the state total to 742. The virus has killed nine in New Jersey as of Thursday afternoon. Read more: Gov. Phil Murphy: 4 More NJ Coronavirus Deaths, 318 New Cases

AtlantiCare follows the CDC's recommendations for testing and only providing them to "patients who are severely ill with COVID-19 symptoms, have tested negative for other illnesses and are then admitted to the hospital," AtlantiCare says.

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Once a patient is admitted, he or she might be tested for the coronavirus once the doctor considers the underlying conditions and exposure to the virus.

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing, call your health-care provider for medical advice, AtlantiCare says.

AtlantiCare set up "triage" tents Saturday at its Mainland and Mainland facilities. The hospitals will only use them if they see an increase in patients seek care for the flue or coronavirus, including COVID-19. Read more: AtlantiCare Sets Up 'Triage' Tents During NJ Coronavirus Spread

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