Camden County Urges COVID Caution Amid Reopenings

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Assistant Camden County Public Health Coordinator Caryelle Lasher on Thursday said she is concerned about public health after governors in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut announced capacity limits at restaurants, stores, offices and other areas of life are set to be lifted by May 19.

During a news conference, she said the best way to protect yourself against the coronavirus is still to get vaccinated, particularly given how quickly the virus spreads among groups.

“When we come together and congregate, we see cases go up,” Lasher said during a news conference. “Whenever you’re at an event, even if it’s outdoors, you want to still maintain your personal space, keep with your family group or your social group and still keep 6 feet from anyone that you don’t know.”

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Here are the areas set to be affected by the new restriction lift:

• Restaurants
• Museums
• Theaters
• Food service
• Houses of worship
• Broadway
• Retail
• Pools
• Hair salons/barber shops
• Amusement parks
• Gyms

See related: 'Major' COVID Reopening In NJ: Here's What's Planned

The announcement comes after each of New Jersey’s 21 counties were classified as being at a “moderate” risk for the coronavirus in the state Department of Health's most recent "COVID-19 Activity Level Report." Read more here: Latest Updates On Town-By-Town Camden County COVID-19 Cases

But the threat remains. On Thursday, there were 81 new cases of the coronavirus reported in Camden County, bringing the total number of cases reported in the county since the beginning of the pandemic to 48,246, with 1,175 deaths.The number of cases has been below 100 for the last seven days, according to Camden County Commissioner Al Dyer.

There have been 2,348 confirmed cases among residents at the county's 56 long-term care facilities, with 461 deaths. There have been 1,376 cases among staff members at these facilities, with seven deaths. Trace investigations are underway in all cases.

Lasher reminded people to wear their masks, especially if they’re going to be in tight spaces, and to stay home if you’re not feeling well, even if you’re fully vaccinated.

Said Lasher: “The really important part is that we all take a little responsibility, and make sure that if we’re not feeling good, we’re not out there spreading it.”