County of Monmouth

For Immediate Release:
February 29, 2020

County officials monitoring one person under investigation for novel coronavirus (Covid-19)

FREEHOLD, NJ –Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Monmouth County Health Department, are closely monitoring the situation at Bayshore Hospital and are in constant communication with health officials.

New Jersey Public Health Environmental Laboratories is currently testing for coronavirus on this individual in accordance with CDC guidelines. The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) expects test results within 24 hours.

It is important to have factual up to date information on the coronavirus. The CDC has a “share the facts, stop fear” page which is quite useful in determining what is fact vs. fiction with regard to the coronavirus. It can be accessed at cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Timely and accurate information can also be found at www.nj.gov/health. Links to the CDC and New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) are posted to the Monmouth County Health Department (MCHD) webpage, www.visitmonmouth.com/health.

The MCHD, along with Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management (MCOEM), has been and will continue to actively monitor the evolving situation. In addition, they are reviewing and sharing the guidance that is being provided by the NJDOH and the CDC.

MCHD and OEM have taken some additional internal preparedness actions that include:

  •  Participating in NJDOH and CDC information and guidance conference calls and webinars

  •  Conducting collaborative meetings with the other public health agencies from within Monmouth  County

  •  Providing applicable CDC Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidance to municipal OEM and EMS
  • Reviewing applicable emergency plans and procedures, including the OEM-EMS Infectious Disease Response Plan
Please be assured that if and when this situation rises to the level that warrants additional proactive preparedness, response or mitigation actions, MCHD and OEM will act in accordance with our plans and take the appropriate actions.

At this time, it is important to note that there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Monmouth County or New Jersey. If someone is sick, they want to consider the likely hood that they have seasonal influenza as we are still in high flu activity in the state.

We encourage residents to call the NJDOH Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 if they have general questions about the coronavirus.

As with all illnesses, it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of germs:

  • Cover your cough
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Stay home if you are sick

If you have any additional questions, contact the Monmouth County Health Department at 732-431-7456.

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