County Reports 11 New Cases, Third Coronavirus Death

COURT HOUSE – Cape May County reported 11 new cases of coronavirus on April 8. The Department of Health announced the third death in the county from the virus, and the second resident to succumb to it at the Victoria Manor nursing home, in North Cape May, where there has been an outbreak. 
According to the county Department of Health, New Jersey has total of 47,437 COVID-19 cases and 1,504 deaths. Cape May County’s total coronavirus cases has increased to 111 cases and 3 deaths, the county stated. The latest death is an 81-year-old male from Lower Township, the county said in a release.
“We are saddened to hear about the passing of another Cape May County resident,” Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton said in a release. “This is a reminder of why it is so important to follow the health expert’s guidance to protect ourselves and others so we can limit sickness and death in the future.” 
“We will keep the family and friends of this man in our hearts,” stated Freeholder Jeff Pierson, liaison to the Health Department. “It is tough to see our neighbors get sick. We will continue to do everything we can to protect Cape May County residents.”
In a release, the county said as cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in Cape May County it is important to remember to keep safe by following social distancing measures and maintaining regular cleaning practices that kill the virus in your home.
“Practicing routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops handles, desks phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks can help keep you and your family healthy and prevent the spread of disease,” stated Kevin Thomas, Health Officer. 
After cleaning surfaces with soap and water, it is important to use household disinfectants. It is recommended to use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered disinfectants. Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
Things to look for on disinfectant instructions: 

• Keeping Surfaces wet for a period of time 
• Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use
• Diluted household bleach solutions may be used if appropriate for the surface.
  • Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner.
  • Leave solution on surface for at least one minute. 
  • Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.

For soft surfaces such as carpeted floors, rugs and drapes, clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for these surfaces. Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions, while using the warmest appropriate water setting and drying items completely.  Also, disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant. 
Electronics such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and remote controls, consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics. Also, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfections. If there is no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or spray containing at least 70% alcohol, and dry surface thoroughly. 
Take the following precautions when doing laundry for clothing, towels, linens, and other items.

• Wear disposable gloves.
• Wash hands with soap and water as soon as you remove the gloves.
• Do not shake dirty laundry.
• Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
• Dirty laundry from a sick person can be washed with other people’s items.
• Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.

For more information call the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System hotline at 211 or 1-800-962-1253, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov, the World Health Organization at www.who.int, the New Jersey Department of Health at COVID19.nj.gov. For additional information visit Cape May County Department of Health at www.cmchealth.net, also like us on Facebook.