5-Year-Old Paterson Girl Tests Positive For Coronavirus

PATERSON – A 5-year-old New Jersey girl and her parents have tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said.

The individuals are a husband and wife – a man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s – as well as their 5 year-old child, whose positive test was confirmed at midday on Monday, said Mayor Andre Sayegh. They were the first three people from Paterson to be diagnosed with the coronavirus.

The Paterson Division of Health is actively monitoring the parents and child, along with a second child. All are isolating at home until cleared by the Health Division, according to Health and Human Services Director Oshin Castillo and Health Officer Paul Persaud.

The children are not students in the Paterson Public School District or any other school in Paterson.

“Even before these first cases of Paterson residents were confirmed, my administration has implemented preventative measures to practice social distancing and containment to avoid community spread,” said Sayegh.

“We ask that residents remain calm and isolate themselves as much as possible in order to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

State and Paterson Division of Health authorities are proceeding with the public health investigation and response activities by tracing close contacts of these family members and taking appropriate public health actions. The investigation is underway and more information will be released when it becomes available.

Sayegh, in conjunction with the Office of Emergency Management and the Municipal Council, also declared a state of emergency for Paterson in response to COVID-19 emergency.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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Here's what else you should know:

• State health officials said they believe the virus is "community-spread" in New Jersey. "Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• Murphy has declared a state of emergency, which allows his administration to expand its powers to treat the illness. Read more: NJ Gov. Murphy Declares State Of Emergency Because Of Coronavirus
• The first person in New Jersey to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission also extended expiration dates for driver licenses, registrations and inspection stickers. Read more: NJ Driver's License Changes Because Of Coronavirus Outbreak
• PSE&G is giving financially struggling customers a break in "the interest of protecting public health." Read more: PSEG Stops Gas, Electric Shut-Offs As NJ Copes With Coronavirus

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses. This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.