Sussex County Still In COVID 'Red Zone:' See Town Updates

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — The coronavirus continues to take a grim toll on Sussex County, impacting local businesses and schools in the region, according to updated state data.

The state Department of Health's most recent "COVID-19 Activity Level Report," which is issued weekly, says Sussex County is in the “red zone” for coronavirus cases.

The latest reports say the overall coronavirus activity level is either "moderate," or "yellow," or "high," or "orange," in all New Jersey counties.

With the rise to a "high" level, state officials said, school districts in those counties may have to take more serious steps — such as quarantining or even shutting down schools — if a child shows the symptoms of COVID-19.

"When it is high risk, there are some recommendations that we make together with local school boards," said Edward Lifshitz, medical director for the state Department of Health.

Indeed, a number of school districts have shifted to remote instruction as the numbers have risen.

As of noon on Feb. 18 the Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) announced 48 additional cases of COVID-19 among County residents for a total number of 9,150 confirmed cases. Of the 9,150 cases, 8,179 cases have been classified as recovered. Additionally, the SCDOH reports no new deaths for a total of 269 deaths.

Fluctuations in numbers from previous dates may be due to cases being transferred out of jurisdiction and/or further investigation revealing that the case was incorrectly reported to the NJDOH/local health department as confirmed.

The figures reflect COVID-19 positive cases as of the date and time indicated, some cases may be pending, or have yet to be entered into the system.

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