TRENTON – A Bergen County man is the first person to have his death linked to COVID-19 in the state of New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy and Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver announced today.
The only identifying information that was provided was that the victim was a man in his 60s from Bergen County.
“We are sad to report the first death in a case of COVID-19 in New Jersey. Our prayers are with the family during this difficult time. We remain vigilant to doing all we can – across all levels of government – to protect the people of New Jersey,” Murphy and Oliver said in a joint statement.
In the midst of the spreading virus, Murphy said his administration has been focused on trying to make testing and care for the virus cost-free.
“The Administration’s efforts waive consumer cost sharing for all medically necessary COVID-19 testing, as well as services related to testing. This waiver includes emergency room, urgent care, and office visits related to COVID-19 testing for the state’s individual, small and large group markets; the State Health Benefits and School Employee Health Benefits Plans; NJ FamilyCare’s CHIP population; and the state’s uninsured population, eligible for the Charity Care program,” the report said.
The governor also urged employers to support their employees’ access to health care.
The Ocean County Health Department and local schools have been putting out messages to residents and parents about what to do and what not to do. Most of the bullet points are the same. They are summed up here:
- Wash hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve, not your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Keep your children home when they are sick. Children should not return to school unless they have been fever-free without medication for 24 hours.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Avoid people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect regularly.
- Get a flu shot – it’s not too late to be protected (the county health department gives them for free).
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
- Encourage a “do not share” rule: food, drink, lip balm, pencils, etc.
- Review and follow CDC travel advisories when planning travel. If you become ill after returning home to the United States, call your healthcare provider before going to a doctor’s office or emergency department of a hospital. They may want to place a mask on you before you enter the building to protect other people.
- Have a 30-day supply of non-perishables, medicine, and medical needs like oxygen.
- Call a doctor if you feel like you’re developing symptoms.
- Stay in touch with family and loved ones
For the latest information on novel coronavirus, please visit nj.gov/health or call 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253 (if using out-of-state phone line).
