New Jersey announces 'first presumptive positive case' of COVID-19

UPDATED: March 5, 6:45 a.m.

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey officials announced Wednesday evening that the "first presumptive positive case" of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has been detected in the state. 

Murphy, Acting Gov. Sheila Oliver and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said in a statement that the individual is a male in his 30s who has been hospitalized in Bergen County since March 3. 

NorthJersey.com is reporting that the patient is a 32-year-old Fort Lee man, and he's doing well in isolation at Hackansack University Medical Center. 

Tonight, Acting Governor @LtGovOliver and I are announcing the first presumptive positive case of novel coronavirus, or #COVID19, in New Jersey. The individual, a male in his 30s, is hospitalized in Bergen County and has been hospitalized since March 3rd. pic.twitter.com/E2QtB1Wzut

KYW Medical Editor Dr. Brian McDonough says even with word of a New Jersey case, there's no reason to panic.

"I think the key point to understand is that there is still a very small chance of contracting COVID-19 at this point. However use common sense. Wash your hands 20 to 25 seconds at a time. That advice doesn't change," McDonough said. "In additon to that, try to clean surfaces if you are going to be there for a prolonged period of time or working for a prolonged period of time. They're the big things you can do."

The development came the same day that federal health officials said they were providing the state with $1.75 million in what they called initial funding to respond to the virus in New Jersey.

‼️COVID-19 UPDATE‼️ @GovMurphy, @LtGovOliver and the NJDOH announced the 1st presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in NJ◾️ Male in his 30's, hospitalized in Bergen County◾️ Most NJ residents still at low riskTake steps to protect yourself and others https://t.co/MoehrjW8L0 pic.twitter.com/0xhSqVI23y

Officials have not discussed where the man may have contracted the virus.

"I think what's good about this is politicans, public health leaders — they're all starting to work together and take a concerted approach. They realize how serious this is and I think they're being more aggresive in trying to limit it and I think that's positive," McDonough said.

Health officials say they've been preparing for this, and they're working to prevent the spread of the virus, working closely with the hospital caring for this patient. Persichilli added New Jersey residents are "at very low risk of contracting COVID-19."

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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