CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NJ (March 9, 2020) – Cumberland County Government is working hard to provide our County residents with information to assist in understanding the risks associated with Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19. We want to ensure residents that there are practical steps we all can take to minimize the chances of getting or spreading the virus.
Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cumberland County. While the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers this to be a serious public health concern, based on current information, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 to the general public in the U.S. is considered low at this time.
People who become ill with the Coronavirus typically experience fever, cough or shortness of breath. At this time, a majority of individuals experience mild symptoms, with some experiencing no symptoms at all. Older people and people of all ages with serious chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, appear to be at a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms of the illness, requiring medical care.
If you or someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, call your healthcare provider to report your symptoms before visiting the office. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency.
Public Health officials recommend the following precautions to minimize the possibility of infection:
• Wash your hands frequently, with soap and water – especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, and throw tissues in the trash after single use.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with others.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning
Currently, the CDC does not recommend people wear facemasks to protect themselves from respiratory diseases. Facemasks should only be worn if a healthcare professional recommends it.
Businesses and schools are working on emergency action plans to address COVID-19, and we encourage employees and parents to become aware of those plans.
As always, Cumberland County government works hard to ensure the health and safety of all county residents. Working together and using these commonsense safety measures will help us minimize the risk that people will get sick.
It’s important to make sure we are getting factual information. All questions related to coronavirus are being handled by health experts at the New Jersey Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
New Jersey Department of Health: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml
Cumberland County Department of Health: www.ccdoh.org
City of Vineland Health Department: www.vldhealth.org
Stay up to date by following the Cumberland County Department of Health on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CCDOH and the New Jersey Department of Health on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NJDeptofHealth