SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ – Sussex County Freeholder Director Sylvia Petillo and the Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) are announcing additional cases of COVID-19 in Sussex County, officials announced Friday.
Two of the cases reside in Sparta and one resides in Hampton. Both the SCDOH and the patients were notified of the positive results on March 20, 2020. The original press release showed Montague had a positive case but a corrected press released stated only Sparta and Hampton.
The first three positive cases in Sussex County were identified on March 18, 2020 and they were in Sparta Township, Vernon Township and Frankford Township.
The fourth positive case was a Hardyston resident who was sent for testing on March 17, 2020, and the SCDOH and the patient were notified of the positive results on March 19, 2020.
The Sussex County Division of Health has been working to identify individuals who came into contact with the residents. Anyone identified as a close contact, per New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) guidelines, is in their home under self-quarantine and being monitored by the SCDOH staff.
There has been concern over the recent global outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that has been spreading throughout the United States since the beginning of this year. The SCDOH understands those concerns and is working closely with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor and respond to the situation.
The SCDOH has staff dedicated to ensuring a coordinated, timely, and effective response to public health concerns like COVID-19. A 24/7 County-wide enhanced surveillance is in place within our Division to identify potential cases of COVID-19.
All residents should continue to monitor their health and exercise good hygiene habits. Actions you can take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 include the following:
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you are sick. Practice social distancing to reduce the spread of germs.
- Families and individuals should create or update their family emergency plans.
The SCDOH is working diligently to monitor those residents who may have been exposed to the virus and to help prevent further spread of COVID-19. The community’s health and safety are of primary concern to the SCDOH and the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and all possible steps are being taken to ensure the well-being of Sussex County residents.
The Sussex County website has a wide array of information available to the public on COVID-19 and links to both the CDC and NJDOH at sussex.nj.us. People can also visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov and the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health. Residents are also encouraged to call the NJ Coronavirus and Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253 if using an out of state phone line with any questions.
