Health & Fitness
First Case Of Coronavirus Confirmed In West Deptford
A 46-year-old West Deptford woman has tested positive for new coronavirus, officials announced.
![A 46-year-old West Deptford woman has tested positive for new coronavirus, officials announced.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/93127/20200324/111801/styles/patch_image/public/corona___24111741367.jpg)
WEST DEPTFORD, NJ — A 46-year-old West Deptford woman has tested positive for new coronavirus, Gloucester County officials announced Tuesday morning. It is the first case of the virus reported in West Deptford, and is among 19 total that have been reported in Gloucester County.
No additional information about this case or any of the other six new cases in the county reported Tuesday morning was immediately available. Trace investigations in this and the following cases are underway:
- A 49-year-old man from Mullica Hill;
- A 72-year-old woman from Washington Township;
- A 27-year-old man from Woolwich;
- A 21-year-old man from Glassboro; and
- A 66-year-old woman from Woolwich.
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Find out what's happening in West Deptfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
On Tuesday, West Deptford police announced they are participating in a "flatten the curve" campaign along with the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office. Part of this campaign includes a "flatten the curve" poster contest in conjunction with the West Deptford and National Park public schools.
Anyone who wants to participate should email a picture of themselves with their poster to SRO Teti at [email protected] by April 11. Don't forget to include your name/grade/school in the email.
Find out what's happening in West Deptfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"There are no set rules, just use your imagination and be creative," police said. "WDPD will post some of the entries/winners on their social media platforms."
Any local businesses who would like to sponsor a winner should send a check to: WD Police Athletic League, 400 Crown Point Road, West Deptford, NJ 08086. Examples of some winners are included in the embed below:
Gloucester County previously announced the cancellation of several events due to coronavirus. On Tuesday, they announced that the following events have been cancelled for April 1-15:
- All Gloucester County Library Events: All County Libraries
- April 1: GC Certified Gardener Training, Gov. Services Bldg., 9 a.m. -12 p.m. 1200 N Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ 08312
- April 2: Bird Watch: Scotland Run Park, 7:30 a.m. 980 E Academy St., Clayton, NJ 08312
- April 3: History Tots: Red Bank Battlefield, 10 a.m. -11 a.m., 100 Hessian Avenue, National Park, NJ 08063
- April 3: Utilities Industry Employer Orientation, RCSJ Gloucester, 10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m., Campus Business Center, Room 500, 1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell, NJ 08080
- April 4: Child Safety Seat Check, County Store, 10 a.m., Deptford Mall, 1750 Deptford Center Road, Deptford, NJ 08096
- April 8: GC Certified Gardener Training, Gov. Services Bldg., 9 a.m. -12 p.m., 1200 N Delsea Drive Clayton, NJ 08312
- April 9: Disaster Resp. Crisis Counselors New Classes, Salem Community College, 8:30 a.m., 460 Hollywood Ave., Carneys Point, NJ 08069
- April 7: Nature Discovery w/Dr. Dan, Scotland Run Park10:30 a.m., 980 E Academy St., Clayton, NJ 08312
- April 8: Federal Military Ceremony, Bankbridge Regional School, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m., 870 Bankbridge Rd., Sewell, NJ 08080
- April 8: Narcan Training: Logan Twp. Library, 6 p.m., 498 Beckett Rd. Logan, NJ
- April 14: Nature Discovery w/Dr. Dan, Scotland Run Park, 10:30 a.m., 980 E Academy St., Clayton, NJ 08312
- April 15: GC Certified Gardener Training, Gov. Services Bldg., 9 a.m. -12 p.m., 1200 N Delsea Drive Clayton, NJ 08312
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 issued a stay-at-home order, closing all non-essential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
- On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced that all schools would close on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
- Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
- Murphy issued an executive order on Thursday, March 19 to ensure voters can exercise their right to vote without risking their health and safety. Read more: Coronavirus Alters NJ Election Procedure, Moves Election Dates
- 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
- State Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced on Saturday, March 14 that municipal court sessions will be suspended.
- The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it's also closing temporarily. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus
- Four members of the same New Jersey family died from the coronavirus, according to March 19 reports. Read more: 4 In Same Family, Including 3 In NJ, Die Of Coronavirus: Reports
- The deadline for Americans to file federal taxes was moved from April 15 to July 15, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin tweeted on Friday, March 20. Read more: Federal Tax Day Postponed To July 15 Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
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.
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