The Camden County Department of Health reported on Thursday 99 additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Camden County. This brings the aggregate number of confirmed positive cases to 40,450 in Camden County today and 1,087 total fatalities.
“One year ago today, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, kicking off a 12-month period of incredible destruction and changes to our daily lives,” said County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli, Jr.
“Miraculously, in just one year, we have already seen the creation of multiple safe and effective vaccines, and in Camden County we have vaccinated approximately one third of our adult population, protecting them from severe illness and death. In the coming months, we may have the privilege of looking back on the era of COVID and returning to some pre-pandemic way of life. To do that, we must continue protecting ourselves and others to stop the virus’ spread and give more folks time to get vaccinated.”
The Department of Health is announcing 99 additional positive cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) identified in Camden County. Trace investigations are being facilitated with the patients and remain ongoing.
In addition, the county Department of Health is also announcing 2,318 confirmed resident cases and 1,320 staff cases have occurred out of the aggregate case load of 40,450 in our 56 long-term care facilities. At this time, 460 resident deaths have been reported from these facilities, as well as seven staff deaths, out of our 1,087 total fatalities countywide.
With the rate of new COVID-19 cases continuing to decline throughout the state, Governor Phil Murphy has signed an executive order allowing increased capacity at indoor businesses, including bars and restaurants, and for outdoor gatherings.
As of Friday, March 19, restaurants, bars, food courts and other such indoor businesses that serve food and drinks, along with personal care services (such as salons and barber shops) and recreation/entertainment businesses that include gyms and casinos, can increase their customer capacity from 35 percent to 50 percent. Indoor gatherings can increase from 10 to 25 people and outdoor gatherings can increase from 25 to 50 people. Current limitations on special ceremonies and events such as weddings, funerals, religious services and political events, will remain in place.
The order requiring face coverings when indoors in public spaces and businesses remains in effect, along with all distancing requirements to prevent the virus from spreading.
“We are encouraged that Gov. Murphy is able to ease these restrictions thanks to more of our population being vaccinated and the drop in new cases. The pandemic has presented an enormous struggle for our businesses large and small and we know that easing some of the public safety restrictions will help these businesses continue their recovery,” said Cappelli.
Information regarding Camden County’s preparations, response, and general information provided to the public is available by visiting camdencounty.com. Residents should frequently check the county webpage and social media for up-to-date information.
