March 19, 2020
This statement by Cumberland County Government is intended to provide our County residents with information to assist in understanding the risks associated with Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (abbreviated “Coronavirus” or “COVID-19”) as well as practical steps we can all take to minimize the chances of acquiring or spreading the virus. Currently, we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cumberland County.
Although it is anticipated that further spread of the illness will occur, Cumberland County public health officials are an integral part of a coordinated effort on the part of local, state and national public health officials as well as public and private healthcare providers to control the spread of the virus during this public health emergency. Cumberland County public health officials are in continuous contact with public health officials at the New Jersey Department of Health as well as representatives from our local healthcare providers. In an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus, the Board of Chosen Freeholders has ordered public access to County facilities be closed; however, all Departments will continue to serve the needs of our residents. In addition, the County has taken steps to create social distancing between County employees and members of the public where urgent circumstances require interaction. Freeholder Director Joseph Derella has postponed all non-essential meetings instituting social distancing protocols and teleconferencing for legally required meetings. The public will be notified when legally required meetings are modified to ensure the safety of our public and County family.
County residents are urged to comply with the terms of the Governor’s executive order during this declared state of emergency. Director Derella stated, “Our County government has created contingency plans to address this very fluid situation.” “We will devote our resources to ensuring compliance with the Governor’s executive order while doing our best to continue to deliver services as
safely as possible to our residents”, added Derella.
If you or someone close to you, experiences symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, you should call your healthcare provider to report your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will work with public health officials to determine whether testing is indicated and the treatment required. You should not go to a doctor’s office, urgent care center or hospital emergency room without first calling to determine the best course of action. If you or someone close to you is experiencing severe symptoms, 911 should be called for emergency care.
Board of Health Liaison Freeholder Carol Musso said, “We are working very hard to provide our County residents with information to assist in understanding the risks associated with Novel Coronavirus. We also want to be sure that we educate our citizens on practical steps we can all take to minimize the chances of acquiring or spreading the virus.” Working together and using common sense approaches will help us minimize the risk that people will get sick, spread the disease if they do, ensure that people experiencing symptoms get the medical help they need and allow us to live our lives as normally as possible until the Coronavirus is no longer an acute concern.
Please visit NJDOH and CDC websites for more information on COVID-19:
Coronavirus questions are being handled by the health experts at the NJ Poison
Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Cumberland County Department of Health
Coronavirus Hotline: (856) 327-7090 or (856)) 327-7602