Atlantic County now has three confirmed case of COVID-19, the state health commissioner said Wednesday.No details were given as Commissioner Judy Persichilli gave the updated county list during a news conference.The news came hours after Atlantic County health officials announced the first confirmed positive, a man in his 60s with underlying health conditions.
A commercial lab confirmed the results late Tuesday.Officials did not specify where he lives.There are 427 confirmed cases statewide, with more than two dozen not yet linked to a specific county. Murphy named Cape May County among the three that did not yet have confirmed cases
. But a short time later, the Cape May County Department of Health announced its first case, a visitor from New York City.The Atlantic County patient announced by the county Health Department is being treated at home while health officials conduct further investigations. Direct contacts will be notified and asked to self-quarantine for 14 days as directed by guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control.
“While this is unfortunate news, it is not unexpected,” County Executive Dennis Levinson said. “But there is no reason to panic."He noted that health officials continue to emphasize that 80 percent of cases will be mild or moderate with full recoveries expected.
"The deeper concern is for those with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems,” Levinson said. “We must all remain vigilant and cooperate with the directives issued by our federal, state and local health officials to protect the health and safety of our communities.”
Atlantic County Health Officer Patricia Diamond reminded residents to stay home if they are sick, avoid crowds, practice safe hygiene practices, and continue to sanitize and disinfect common areas and shared items.
Those who are ill with mild symptoms are asked to isolate themselves at home and treat their symptoms with over-the-counter medications, rest and fluids. Anyone who has a fever, dry cough and shortness of breath and who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or traveled to one of the communities with larger numbers of cases should seek medical attention by calling their healthcare provider.
Residents should also continue to exercise social distancing , avoid crowds and social gatherings of 10 or more.
Anyone with questions may call the state hotlines at
1-800-222-1222 (from in-state phone) or
1-800-962-1253 (from out-of-state phone). The call center is available 24/7 with multi-language capabilities, but cannot diagnose individuals, provide testing appointments or results, or give specific medical recommendations.
Callers who need medical advice should contact their healthcare provider.
