Full Notification

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Borough of Manville

John R. Bentz
Coordinator

PRESS RELEASE: March 20,2020

Manville Resident Tests Positive for COVID-19

As of March 20, 2020, the Somerset County Department of Health (SCDOH) is reporting the first case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Manville Borough. 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.

COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. Symptoms of the Coronavirus appear within two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Only individuals who have specific exposures and are experiencing symptoms need to be tested. Testing is not available for the worried well.


“We are currently working the Somerset County Health Department and monitoring the situation,” said Manville Mayor Richard Onderko. “We strongly urge our residents to abide by the curfew restrictions and to practice ‘social distancing’ by keeping 6 feet away from others. Residents should adhere to the CDC prevention measure of washing your hands often in an effort to prevent community spread.”

Public health officials recommend community actions to keep people healthy, reduce exposure to COVID-19 and slow the spread of the disease. The actions can include maintaining or increasing the distance between people (about two arm’s length), promoting common-sense health habits and encouraging the proper cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces. These interventions are among the best ways to control a virus when vaccines are not available.

Additional daily health precautions that can prevent the spread of the coronavirus and other diseases:
 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.

Residents with questions or concerns about COVID-19 can call 2-1-1, text NJCOVID to 898-211, or email [email protected].

For an updated case count of COVID-19 in Somerset County, please call 908-231-7111 or visit SCDOH’s new dashboard at 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 and the Somerset County Department of Health at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health.