Full Notification

Today the Somerset County Department of Health has received a second confirmed case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) within Franklin Township.   On March 13, 2020 a 76 year old individual reported to a local area hospital’s emergency department with a fever and other symptoms.  The individual was subsequently tested for COVID-19 and sent home to self-quarantine and recover.  Today, the test returned positive for COVID-19.  The individual is quarantined and recuperating at their home.  

This case appears to be community acquired as the individual had no recent travel history or contact with known COVID-19 positive patients. The Somerset County Department of Health is identifying anyone who had close contact with this patient, to provide guidance and limit the spread of infection.  

The best way to protect yourself and your family from this coronavirus and other diseases is to follow simple daily health precautions: 

- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
-  Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
-  Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
-  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
-  Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
-  Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched. 
-  Stay home when you are sick.

The New Jersey Department of Health is providing information to residents and has set up a 24/7 public hotline with the New Jersey Coronavirus & Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

For an updated case count of COVID-19 in Somerset County, please call 908-231-7111.   For Somerset County specific updates, please visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/health 

Since the situation is evolving, it is important to stay up to date by following trusted sources of information such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov, the World Health Organization at www.who.int,  the New Jersey Department of Health at www.nj.gov/health, the Somerset County Department of Health at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health and the Franklin Township Homepage www.franklintwpnj.org.