Keeping Up with Coronavirus

By Diana Gomez

Updated 4/1/2020

As many of you are aware, the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 has been spreading rapidly around the world. Because of this, it can be difficult to keep up with all the daily updates that are happening at every moment of the day.

To give a quick recap, as of April 1, 2020, there are 976,249 confirmed cases worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO). There have also been 50,489 confirmed deaths in 207 countries and territories around the world. In the United States, the CDC says that there are 239,279 cases and 5,443 deaths so far. This includes Puerto Rico, Guam, and US Virgin Islands.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy

https://6abc.com/phil-murphy-cancer-tumor-nj-gov/5983280/

Here in New Jersey, the official site of the state says that there have 29,895 cases of coronavirus reported, with 646 deaths. In response to the rapid spread of the virus, our governor, Phil Murphy has issued a stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on Saturday, March 21, 2020. All residents and nonessential businesses are to stay at home and be closed by 9 p.m. on Saturday. Exceptions to this order include, “obtaining goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work, engaging in outdoor activities,” says the New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub. Essential stores such as supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, pet stores, and laundromats business will remain open.

Only a mere month ago, there were no cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey until March 4th. Then, on March 9th Governor Phil Murphey declared a state of emergency after a sudden jump in cases bringing the total to 11. Two days later, WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic after the number of infected in the U.S. went over 120,000.

That same day, Rowan College of South Jersey announced that it will extend their spring break an additional week to allow professors time to prepare for online classes. The next day, March 12, the college sent out emails to the students stating it would “transition all face-to-face and hybrid courses to online instruction for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester.”

As many of you remember, on Sunday, March 15, the Bridgeton Public Schools district announced that all schools would be closed starting Tuesday, March 17 until April 20th as a preemptive move. This decision came to be when Governor Murphy said on Sunday that “extended statewide school shutdown is imminent” after the number of cases increased by 31 that day according to nj.com.

On the 16th of March, there were 80 new cases of the coronavirus, causing the governor to shut down all schools and implement a curfew (8 p.m. – 5 a.m.). Ten days later, President Trump issued a Major Disaster Declaration for New Jersey stated the Official Site of New Jersey. “With our major disaster declaration approved, New Jersey will now have access to greater essential federal support to help our residents through this emergency,” said Governor Murphy.

And in Cumberland County, it was not until Thursday, March 19, 2020, that the first case was reported in Vineland. On March 25, a Bridgeton resident died after testing positive for COVID-19 in an out-of-county hospital according to nj.com. In total, as of April 3, Cumberland County has had 31 cases with 1 death.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1260526/self-isolation-can-my-partner-work-if-i-have-to-self-isolate-coronavirus

Remember that during uncertain times, it is best to stay calm and not panic. It can be tempting to go out and buy carts full of food and cleaning supplies, but there is no need to. As stated before, all essential business will remain open. Taking too many valuable products off the shelf also denies others the opportunity to buy essential products such as food and personal care items. Only take what is needed.

The CDC recommends the following guidelines to help keep everyone safe. Do not forget to employ social distancing when going outside in public whenever possible. The virus is spread from person-to-person, so be sure to stay six feet apart from others, except when you are with family or friends. Health experts recommend for one to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap. You can also use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

If you are sick, stay home to avoid further spread. When coughing or sneezing use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to cover it. Only use a medical facemask if you are sick. Many medical supplies are in short demand and should be preserved for medical usage. Make sure to disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently. If you are home all day long, do not waste time. Be proactive, do your homework and stay ahead. Remember to check your email and Microsoft Teams for updates on class assignments. Experts recommend one to maintain a routine. Wake up at a set time and begin your day. Keep up with personal hygiene and do not let yourself go. If you are bored try something new now that you have some spare time. Above all, be safe and stay healthy as best you can.