Morris County At 'Medium' COVID-19 Risk Report Says

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - COVID in Morris County is spreading in a slow and controlled fashion, according to the Covid ActNow group. Morris was listed in the medium level of COVID risk as of Friday.

"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.

This update comes as New Jersey is no longer on track to contain the coronavirus as infection numbers surge to record new highs across the country, according to the study from researchers and epidemiologists.

Last week, the state was one of only three in the nation that looked likely to get the virus under control as it went from being, along with New York, the world's COVID-19 epicenter to having among the lowest daily diagnoses in the nation, according to a group of epidemiologists tracking the outbreak.

In Morris County, the infection rate was .91, 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 five are needed by COVID cases, or 10 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.

You can view the full report on the website.

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