March 18, 2020

Washington Township Confirms One (1) Case of COVID-19                               

The Washington Township Health Department, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Health, has confirmed the first (1) case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Washington Township.  The individual is in isolation, and Washington Township Health Department is following all appropriate NJ Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols in conducting an efficient and comprehensive follow up.  Washington Township Health Department is identifying close contacts of this case to determine the need for self-monitoring. The health status of the case is being monitored by Health Department Staff.  As of March 18, 2020, 9 cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in Morris County, 427 confirmed in New Jersey. We wish the individual well, and the family the best, in this difficult time.  Mayor Murello states, "Our thoughts go out to the family and there is no cause for panic. All of our Township's emergency services and Health personnel have been prepared to keep the community safe. Please review the safety precautions issued by the State and CDC and we will all get through this."

The Washington Township Health Department reminds all residents to abide by the Washington Township Office of Emergency Management State of Local Emergency and the Governor’s State of Emergency and Executive Orders and to take the following simple precautions to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness:

- Stay home if you are sick.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

- If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.

- Limit close contact with individuals who are sick.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

- Avoid handshakes.

- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, using manufacturer’s directions.

Residents showing symptoms of COVID-19 must contact their healthcare provider. Symptoms include fever of 100.4F and above, cough and shortness of breath. For additional information on COVID-19 resources, visit the sites below.  You can also call the NJ COVID-19 Hotline by dialing 211.

For more COVID-19 info visit:

https://www.wtmorris.org/index.php/community/news/health-announcements

NJ Department of Health:

www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

 NJPIES Call Center:

1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253 (non-NJ cell phones)

Click to read Proclamation: 

WT State of Emergency