1st Sussex County Coronavirus Death Announced

NEWTON, NJ — A Newton woman has died of the new coronavirus, the first Sussex County fatality from the outbreak that has sickened more than 8,800 people across New Jersey, county officials have announced.

The 68-year-old woman was admitted to Newton Medical Center on March 25 and died Friday, Sussex County Freeholder Director Sylvia Petillo said.

Sussex County health officials said people who had been in close contact with the woman are at home under self-quarantine and are being monitored by the health department.

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"Our hearts go out to the patient as well as the patient’s family," Petillo said. "Our Division of Health is working around the clock to monitor those residents who may have been exposed to the virus and to help prevent further spread of COVID-19."

Sussex County had 72 positive cases for COVID-19 as of figures released Friday morning, including seven residents in Newton.

As of Friday afternoon, there were 8,825 positive tests for COVID-19 in New Jersey, and 108 people have died from it, according to the state health department. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

"Our community’s health and safety are of primary concern to the Board of Chosen Freeholders," Petillo said. "We are taking all possible steps to ensure the well-being of Sussex County and our surrounding communities."