Bridgewater Sees Highest Number Of Coronavirus Cases Since April

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Over the past two days, Bridgewater has been consecutively reporting its highest number of daily coronavirus cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

On both Tuesday and Wednesday, Bridgewater reported 17 new positive COVID-19 cases. The last time Bridgewater saw that many cases in a single day was April 28.

Kevin Sumner, Bridgewater Township Health Officer says there seems to be no single setting or location attributed to the cause of the positive case increase.

"We are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases that appear, at least to some degree, to be associated with parties/gatherings and sports activities. We are also seeing cases in family clusters as well as cases coming from other, often unknown, sources and environments, such as long term care and schools," Sumner said.

Additionally, Sumner said the majority of the cases seem to linked to those of a younger age.

"The increase in cases ranges across all ages most seem to be younger (school-aged) and between the ages of 35 and 60," Sumner said.

As of Thursday, there were 3 new cases. There has also been a total of 706 positive cases and 67 deaths in Bridgewater since the pandemic began in March. Bridgewater has not reported a new death since Oct. 4.

As numbers rise, Bridgewater spokesman Wells Winegar said the township is not yet considering closing the municipal complex at this time.

"We have been taking additional precautions to include increased vigilance on the wearing of face covering, limiting access points to building facilities and daily employee temperature checks," Winegar said.

Sumner offered the following key messages for residents:

• We have received many calls about individuals not abiding by quarantines, especially as they relate to schools
• Maintain physical distance
• Wear a face covering
• Wash your hands
• Avoid gatherings and parties
• Follow the directions of health professionals, especially if advised to isolate or quarantine
• Even if you do not feel sick that does not mean you cannot give it to someone else if you have been exposed
• As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday it is very important to avoid contact with people not of your household

The spike in cases is not isolated to just Bridgewater. New Jersey on Tuesday announced its highest daily case total since April – 3,877 – and the state's highest death toll since July: 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ COVID-19 Numbers Going 'In Wrong Direction'

Gov. Phil Murphy said on the Today Show Thursday that the second wave of the coronavirus "is without question upon us."

Murphy said he's "very concerned" that New Jersey's numbers are "going in the wrong direction." That's why he's closing restaurants and bars beginning at 10 beginning on Thursday, and bar seating will be changed. Read more: Gov. Murphy Clarifies New Rules For NJ Indoor Dining, Barbers

See how the new restrictions are impacting Bridgewater-area restaurants. Read More: 'Yet Another Nail In The Coffin' For Bridgewater Restaurants

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