More Detail: First Presumptive Positive Case of Coronavirus In NJ

NEW JERSEY – More information has been released since authorities announced on Wednesday night that the first presumptive positive case of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, was identified in New Jersey.

A second case was also identified on Wednesday. Read more: 2nd Presumptive Positive Case of Coronavirus In NJ

The Murphy administration and health officials updated the public on the coronavirus impact during a 2:30 p.m. press conference. You can watch it here:

The 32-year-old Fort Lee man has been hospitalized at Hackensack University Medical Center since Tuesday, officials said.

Fort Lee Mayor Mark J. Sokolich confirmed the presumptive coronavirus case to Patch, saying "the next steps are critical steps."

Sokokich said he's waiting for more information from health officials. One of the possible decisions that needs to be made, he said: Do areas of Fort Lee need to be quarantined?

"I don't know what measures have to be taken," he told Patch. "I'm hoping they don't have to be drastic."

The information comes as a patient at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck was under observation for possibly having the coronavirus, the hospital confirmed to Patch.

Murphy said the state takes the situation "very seriously and has been preparing for this for weeks."

“My administration is working aggressively to keep residents safe and contain the spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey,” Murphy said.

Read more: NJ Issues New Coronavirus Guidelines For Schools, Colleges

Daniel W. Varga, chief physician executive for Hackensack Meridian Health, said the Hackensack University Medical Center patient with a suspected case of COVID-19 has tested positive for the infection.

New Jersey’s Department of Health notified Hackensack Meridian Health of the presumptive positive test results on Wednesday evening. The lab specimen is being sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation.

"Please rest assured that our team of dedicated health care providers is taking every precaution in treating this isolated patient," he said.

The hospital is working with the New Jersey’s Department of Health in accordance with protocols provided by the CDC including:

• isolation of the patient
• use of dedicated equipment and appropriate personal protective equipment
• visitor restrictions

"Our patient is resting comfortably and doing well," he said.

Murphy, who is recovering from kidney tumor surgery, urged residents to "remain calm and use resources from the New Jersey Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control to prepare and prevent the spread of infection."

"Safeguarding the public’s health is one of my highest priorities and my administration is prepared to respond swiftly to any additional positive cases of COVID-19 here in New Jersey."

Acting Governor Sheila Oliver said the administration has been coordinating across all levels of government, and with federal partners, "to ensure that we are active and engaged with preparedness and response plan."

“We urge all New Jersey residents to follow guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control to help contain the spread of COVID-19.”

The presumptive positive result came from a sample tested by the New Jersey Department of Health at the New Jersey Public Health Environmental Laboratories (PHEL).

State and local public health authorities are proceeding with the public health investigation and response activities as if this was a confirmed case, officials said.

The investigation is underway and more information will be released when it becomes available.

“Any case of novel coronavirus in our state is concerning. However, most New Jersey residents are at very low risk of contracting COVID-19,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “The department is working closely with the CDC and local health officials."

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco also released a statement:

"Now that a presumed positive test result has occurred here in Bergen County I have been in contact with (Sokolich) and have offered the full support of county government."

"Our Bergen County health officer has been in contact with the local health officer offering any assistance they made need," he added. "I have been in contact with the Governor Phil Murphy’s office and will continue to do so. As more information is gathered we will work with our local municipal partners to get it out to the public."

U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer, D-Bergen, released the following statement:

“I am monitoring this presumptive positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Bergen County, and I continue to be in close contact with hospital officials and local and state leaders on the matter. I’m continuing to work with North Jersey hospitals, health facilities, and communities, and I’ve offered support of whatever they need to treat patients afflicted with this virus and to help make sure this outbreak is contained.

"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan emergency legislation to immediately address the coronavirus outbreak and help keep North Jersey families safe. This bill provides emergency funding for a robust response to the crisis, including support for state and local health agencies, and vaccine and treatment development. The Senate is expected to vote on this legislation in coming days.”

The New Jersey Department of Health has been working to prepare for and respond to the evolving coronavirus since early January. The department shared state and CDC guidance with hospitals, local health officials, K-12 schools, universities and businesses; established a novel coronavirus webpage; partnered with the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) to open a call center (1-800-222-1222) for the public; hosted stakeholder teleconferences; and continues coordinating state efforts weekly with the Persichilli.

To date, the 24/7 NJPIES hotline (1-800-222-1222) has received more than 1,195 calls from the public and can accommodate callers in multiple languages.

Click here for more information on the coronavirus.