Local COVID-19 Cases Rise, No New Deaths

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COURT HOUSE – APRIL 15: The latest release from the Cape May County Department of Health lists eight new confirmed cases of COVID-19 but no new deaths. This is the first time since April 6 that a DOH report has not announced a new death. Deaths caused by the disease remain 10.
The new cases were spread over five municipalities, with two each in Middle and Lower townships, along with Wildwood. The remaining two new cases were in Dennis and Upper townships. This report brings the county’s confirmed case count to 187.
Freehold Director Gerald Thornton urged the public to not become complacent. “We must continue to stay home to protect ourselves, our families, and our community,“ he said.
DOH provided an age distribution for positive cases. Only four of the cases involved individuals 17 or younger. Forty-five people aged 18-40 tested positive. A full 40% of the cases, 77 particularly, were 41-65 years old. The final group over 65 years old has 61 cases. 
All ten of the individuals who succumbed to the illness were 72 years old or older. No one below the age of 65 required hospitalization, according to today’s report.
DOH notes that the populations most at risk for serious illness from COVID-19 are individuals over 60, those with weakened immune systems, due to illness or medications, people with serious long-term health conditions, and, as a precaution, women who are pregnant.
Members of these populations should be especially diligent in their efforts to avoid risking exposure. DOH also advises these individuals to “have a plan in place, in the event you do become ill.”
DOH also reported that 104 individuals, or 55% of the confirmed cases, are women, while 83 are men.