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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information HUB

Daily Updates from Mayor Linda H. Schwager:

The New Jersey Poison Control Center and 211 have partnered with the State to provide information to the Public on COVID-19:

  • Call: 2-1-1
  • Call (24/7): 1-800-962-1253
  • Text: NJCOVID to 898-211
  • Text: your zip code to 898-211 for live text assistance

Resources: 

Veterans Support:

COVID-19 Background Information:

  • The CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory infection caused by a novel coronavirus that was first detected in China and now appears to be in more than 150 locations internationally, including in the U.S. Many international destinations now report ongoing community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19, as do some parts of the United States. The U.S. and many other countries are now experiencing community spread of the virus, meaning that some people have been infected and it is not known how or where they became exposed. 
  • The CDC is updating its website daily with the latest information and advice for the public: www.cdc.gov/ncov. Please bookmark the site and check often for the latest updates regarding the virus.

Symptoms:

  • Symptoms, which include fever, cough and shortness of breath, may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. If you have a fever, cough, and other signs of respiratory infection, call your primary care practitioner and continue to monitor your symptoms. If you are in respiratory distress, call 911. 

Severity:

  • Reported illnesses have ranged from very mild (including some with no reported symptoms) to severe, including illness resulting in death. Many people with mild coronavirus illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting and taking pain and fever medications. However, some people may develop pneumonia and need medical treatment in a hospital setting. Older people and people of all ages with severe chronic medical conditions (heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, etc.) are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.

Spread:

  • There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 and the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and/or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people whoa re nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Risk:

  • Some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness, including older adults (65 years and older) and people who have serious chronic medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, extreme obesity, etc.). See more information on People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19.

Prevention:

  • Prevention is key to managing the spread of the disease at this point. Social distancing is highly recommended and further restrictions may become mandated as the situation changes. Important prevention steps include:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. 
  • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • If you are sick, you should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not sick, you do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick. Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
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