Coronavirus: Montville Health Dept. Gives COVID-19 Update

From the Township of Montville:

Posted March 11, 2020

Montville Health Department COVID-19 Update

The Montville Health Department, in conjunction with county, state, and federal officials, continues to monitor the current COVID-19 outbreak. The Montville Health Department continues to maintain open lines of communication with the public to ensure they have access to the most recent information on 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). There are a number of resources that residents can use to stay informed, and simple everyday actions to stay healthy.

• Residents with general questions about COVID-19 – the NJ State COVID-19 Information Hotline is available 24/7 in multiple languages for residents with general questions about COVID-19. Please call 1-800-222-1222, or if in NJ but using a non-NJ cell phone number 1-800-962-1253.
• Residents with health concerns should contact their healthcare provider.
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• The Montville Health Department, in conjunction with county, state, and federal officials, continues to monitor the current COVID-19 outbreak. The Montville Health Department continues to maintain open lines of communication with the public to ensure they have access to the most recent information on 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). There are a number of resources that residents can use to stay informed, and simple everyday actions to stay healthy.

  • Residents with general questions about COVID-19 – the NJ State COVID-19 Information Hotline is available 24/7 in multiple languages for residents with general questions about COVID-19. Please call 1-800-222-1222, or if in NJ but using a non-NJ cell phone number 1-800-962-1253.
  • Residents with health concerns should contact their healthcare provider.
  • Healthcare providers should contact their local health department.
  • The NJ Department of Health has regularly updated information on COVID-19 on their website at https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml.
  • The CDC has regularly updated information on COVID-19 on their website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

• While community spread has been observed, the Montville Health Department advises residents the according to US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the risk of infection to the general public remains low. Current CDC guidance indicates that risk of exposure to the virus only remains high for healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19, those in close contact with persons with COVID-19, and travelers returning from China, Iran, Italy and South Korea.

Residents are reminded to take simple steps to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:

• Wash your hands with soap and water, rubbing with soap for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a commercially-prepared alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and then wash your hands as soon as possible afterwards.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cough/sneeze into your elbow instead of into hands or a tissue.
• If you cough/sneeze into a tissue, discard it immediately afterwards in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Limit close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid handshakes. Try an elbow bump instead.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Get a flu shot to prevent the flu, if you have not already done so this season.

While community spread has been observed, the Montville Health Department advises residents the according to US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the risk of infection to the general public remains low. Current CDC guidance indicates that risk of exposure to the virus only remains high for healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19, those in close contact with persons with COVID-19, and travelers returning from China, Iran, Italy and South Korea.

Residents are reminded to take simple steps to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:

• Wash your hands with soap and water, rubbing with soap for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a commercially-prepared alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and then wash your hands as soon as possible afterwards.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cough/sneeze into your elbow instead of into hands or a tissue.
• If you cough/sneeze into a tissue, discard it immediately afterwards in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Limit close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid handshakes. Try an elbow bump instead.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Get a flu shot to prevent the flu, if you have not already done so this season.

For more information, residents can also contact the Montville Health Department at 973-331-3316.

This press release was produced by the Township of Montville. The views expressed here are the author's own.