BREAKING: Second presumptive case of coronavirus in Ocean County is pregnant woman from Toms River

The Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) is reporting today the second presumptive positive case of coronavirus,

or COVID-19, in Ocean County. The individual is a pregnant female from Toms River. She is currently in stable condition.

Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator/ Health Officer stated, “The Ocean County Health Department continues to work with all partners around the clock and through the weekend to help contain and mitigate the spread of this virus.”

Toms River Mayor and Ocean County Board of Health Member, Maurice “Mo” Hill who was notified of the case, urges residents to remain calm and practice proper hand hygiene and other disease prevention actions including social distancing. Social Distancing is especially important as Toms River schools recently announced their temporary school closure beginning on Monday. Hill stresses that we all need to do our part and not put those at highest risk in jeopardy of contracting this virus.

Ocean County officials including Freeholder Director Joseph Vicari and Freeholder Gerry Little have been participating on daily conference calls with the Governor’s office to keep abreast of the situation and also convey Ocean County needs to the State.

“We just want our residents to know that while this is a serious public health issue, the risk is still low at the moment,” added Regenye, “Residents need to continue to remain informed of what is occurring from reputable sources such as the Ocean County Health Department, New Jersey Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. As a reminder, the OCHD recommends preventive actions to help halt the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• SOCIAL DISTANCING

• Washing 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;

• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol; and

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth;

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;

• Staying home when you are sick and avoiding contact with persons in poor health;

• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then disposing of the tissue;

• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe;

• Get a flu shot! The OCHD is offering free flu shots.(Please call us at 732-341-9700 to make a reservation).

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.ochd.org or call the New Jersey hotline available around the clock for questions at 1-800-222-1222. OCHD has also set up a hotline number for residents questions regarding the coronavirus. The number is 732-341-9700 ext. 7411.

1 COMMENT

Bd March 14, 2020 9:29 pm At 9:29 pm

Why don’t they tell us where she was so others can self quarintine?

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