Longtime Linden Teacher Dies Of Coronavirus In Maplewood

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The town of Maplewood has now lost five residents to coronavirus, according to the most recent information shared by Mayor Frank McGehee on Friday night. Each had lived nearly a century before succumbing to the virus, and one had taught for nearly 40 years.

"It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the loss of two more members of our community today due to the coronavirus COVID-19," McGehee said. "The individuals were 91 and 94 years old."

At least one of the two had been living in an assisted living facility when she passed away. On Friday, Mayor Phil Murphy faced questions because of numerous deaths at such facilities. READ MORE.

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McGehee had announced that a 95-year-old resident succumbed the night before.

The guardian for Leatrice Knohl, 94, shared the following:

Leatrice Knohl, daughter of the late Joseph and Frances Knohl, was born in New York City and moved to Linden as a young child and was a resident until moving into an assisted living facility in 2011.

She attended Linden schools and then graduated from New Jersey City University with a Bachelor of Science degree and from Rutgers University with a masters degree in Education.

She was employed by the Linden Board of Education as an elementary school teacher and retired after teaching for 39 years.

Leatrice Knohl was a member of the NJ Retired Educators Association, the NJ Education Association, the National Education Association, retired, Union County Education Association, and the Linden Active Seniors.

The Maplewood Public Health Division now has a total of 129 coronavirus COVID-19 cases including the three residents who passed away. Twenty-four individuals have fully recovered.

In New Jersey, 1,932 people have died from the virus as of Friday. READ MORE.

The Public Health Division investigates and works to obtain the recent contact history for new cases, including contacting anyone who has potentially been exposed. In addition, the Public Health Division can provide guidance to any business that may be impacted by COVID-19. If you have received a positive confirmed diagnosis from your healthcare provider but have not heard from our Public Health Division in 24 hours, please call the Public Health Division at (973) 762-8120.

Here are statewide coronavirus resources:

• NJ COVID-19 Information Hub: https://covid19.nj.gov/
• General COVID-19 questions: 2-1-1
• NJ COVID-19 hotline: (800) 222-1222

Experts say that the novel coronavirus, because it's new, is more lethal and much harder to treat than the flu.

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that include the common cold as well as much more serious diseases. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was on Jan. 21.

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