Infection Rate Down, Morris Co. Remains At Medium Risk: Report

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - COVID-19 in Morris County is continuing to spread in a slow and controlled fashion, despite an uptick in infection rate according to the Covid ActNow group. Morris was listed in the medium level of COVID risk as of Thursday.

"Morris County's COVID preparedness meets international standards. If this trend continues, Morris County may eventually achieve herd immunity, though this may take years," the report said.

The latest update comes with a new metric of daily cases per 100,000. Morris County has 2.1, while the entire Garden State has a 2.6 rating.

The update comes as New Jersey, and all states, have been dropped from the list on track to contain the coronavirus.

In Morris County, the infection rate dropped to .85, and decrease from .97, noting that the disease is spreading slowly. In terms of ICU headroom used, the study notes that Morris County, has about 99 ICU beds. Based on best available data, the estimate that 48 percent are currently occupied by non-COVID patients. With 51 ICU beds remaining, they estimate two are needed by COVID cases, or four percent of available beds. This suggests there is likely enough capacity to absorb a wave of new COVID infections, researchers said.

The study also noted that from April 9 through May 4 ICU capacity was at 100 percent in Morris County and didn't drop out of the critical threshold until May 14.

The new metric is daily cases per 100,000 in population. Over the last week, Morris County, New Jersey has averaged 2.1 new confirmed cases per day for every 100,000 residents. As context, if these rates were to continue, 2-20 percent of Morris County’s population would be infected in the next year.

You can read the full report here.

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