Long Branch Man Tests Presumptive Positive For Coronavirus

LONG BRANCH, NJ — A Long Branch man tested presumptive positive for the novel coronavirus, city officials announced. The 39-year-old man represents Long Branch's first reported positive case for the virus.

He was evaluated Monday at Monmouth Medical Center and has been hospitalized since. It is not known where he may have contacted the virus.

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The number of statewide cases nearly doubled Friday, from 29 to 50, Governor Phil Murphy said. Friday's figure includes three new cases in Monmouth County. Read more: Gov. Murphy: Closing NJ Schools 'Inevitable,' Cases Nearly Double

The Center for Disease Control will verify all presumptive-positive test results. The Long Branch Health Department has been working closely with the state health department, Monmouth Medical Center longterm care facilities and public-health providers.

City Hall, the Senior Center and the Long Branch Public Library are temporarily canceling all group programs and events until further notice, officials announced Thursday.

The City stressed to the public that they should learn the symptoms of the coronavirus.

"If you become sick with a fever, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, you need to stay home and contact your doctor," the City's press release said. "Follow your healthcare provider’s advice and monitor the progression of your illness. If your health condition worsens seek medical attention."

The Monmouth Medical Center recently enforced temporary visitor restrictions. No visitors younger than 16 will be permitted, and visitation is limited to one person per visit in many areas of the hospital. Read more: Coronavirus: Monmouth Medical Center Restricts Visitors

Murphy said the state is working on the "potential" statewide school shutdown, but a number of districts still need to prepare for distance learning. Students need to access online classroom materials, he said. "We need to mitigate the impacts," he said.

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