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UPDATED: 5:51 p.m.
The person who died was a 69-year-old man from Bergen County. He was known to commute to New York and had a history of underlying health issues, including diabetes and emphysema.
The fatality is one of four new presumptive positive cases announced Tuesday. Another is from Bergen County, and two are from Burlington County. This brings the New Jersey total to 15 presumptive positive cases.
In Burlington County, officials say the two presumptive cases are a 62-year-old male and a 60-year-old female. The two are husband and wife with a travel history to Italy. They are isolated at home with mild illnesses.
Cases confirmed by the state have not yet been verified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The 69-year-old was hospitalized in Hackensack, where his condition deteriorated, according to New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.
“All isolation precautions were taken. He was placed in a step-down unit. He suffered a cardiac arrest, was successfully revived but suffered another arrest and expired,” she said Tuesday.
A case announced last week in Camden County, involving a 61-year-old Cherry Hill man, is said to be improving.
County Freeholder Lou Cappelli said the man is getting better, and seven people he came into contact with have not shown symptoms. They are quarantining themselves through Wednesday.
Gov. Phil Murphy’s disaster declaration will pave the way to ensure about 2 million people in the state can be tested without fear of financial repercussions, and private insurers are being urged to do the same. In the meantime, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems are being advised against going to places where large groups of people are gathered.
Infected doctor's spouse tests positive
Early Tuesday morning, Pennsylvania announced another case in Montgomery County.
On Monday, officials said a CHOP cardiologist at the King of Prussia location tested positive. Now, they say his wife is the 11th statewide case.
She is hospitalized at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Her condition is unknown. Her husband remains in critical condition.
Montgomery County Commissioner Dr. Val Arkoosh said the county public health office is now monitoring all county residents whose names have been given to officials by CHOP as direct contacts of the physician.
In a statement issued Tuesday, CHOP President and CEO Madeline Bell said immediately after learning about the presumptive case on Sunday, CHOP closed the affected units.
As of Monday afternoon, the affected units have been thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and reopened.
“This physician traveled abroad to a country with known COVID-19 cases, but not on the Level 3 travel advisory list as designated by the CDC,” she said. “After returning to work, the physician saw patients over four days during the week of March 1, when progressive symptoms resulted in the physician ultimately seeking medical attention.”
CHOP immediately notified about two dozen patients who came into direct contact with the physician, as well as 17 staff members. All have been advised to self-quarantine.
Following up in Pennsylvania
Of the 12 statewide cases, eight are in Montgomery County.
A patient from Monroe County, which was announced Monday, has been released from the hospital and is now in isolation at home.
Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine clarified the difference between self-isolation and quarantine. Self-isolation separates sick individuals from people who aren’t sick, in order to prevent the spread of disease.
Quarantines separate and restrict the movement of people who have been exposed to the illness to see if they become sick. If someone is quarantined, they may not be sick or even become sick. It simply separates those who were never exposed to stop the spread of disease and track a possible incubation period.
Both are voluntary but can be mandated by the state.
“It’s so important that everyone in Pennsylvania know that we are taking every precaution to keep our communities safe,” Levine added.
Regarding a case announced Monday, of an 18-year-old, she is in fact the student at Germantown Academy. School officials said Tuesday one of its students tested presumptive positive for coronavirus. The student is from the same Montgomery County household as a woman who contracted the novel coronavirus, announced on March 7.
Arkoosh said the investigation into how a 70-year-old woman in Cheltenham came into contact with the virus is ongoing. While it's unclear at the moment, officials think that it may be community spread — meaning she didn't have one-on-one contact with someone with the virus but came into contact with the virus in her daily routine in the community. However, it's not confirmed at this time.
Arkoosh said Montgomery County has now reached the point of focusing on mitigation — trying to prevent it from spreading —which includes considering postponing or canceling large gatherings.
"We must all begin to put the greater good of our community ahead of our personal convenience," she said.
While she said about 80 percent of people who catch the virus will see only minor symptoms, and around five percent could see major complications.
Philadelphia also confirmed its first case within city limits on Tuesday. The adult is receiving treatment at home.
Prevention and risk
The best ways to protect yourself from COVID-19 are common-sense hygiene practices: Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, cover your cough or sneeze, stay away from sick people, and stay home if you’re sick.
For most people, the immediate risk of being exposed to COVID-19 is low, according to the CDC. The risk to the general public depends on how the virus spreads between people.
Most of the reported patients have had mild symptoms. Older adults or people with underlying health conditions are more at risk.
As of Tuesday afternoon, there have been more than 640 reported cases in the U.S. and 25 deaths, according to the CDC. Worldwide, there are about 113,700 cases and 4,000 deaths.
If someone is experiencing symptoms or believes he or she may have been exposed to the virus, they are advised to call 1-877-PA-HEALTH. The Pennsylvania Department of Health can answer questions and notify a hospital. If you plan on visiting your doctor regarding coronavirus, notify your physician ahead of time so that precautions can be made.
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