Montville Mayor Frank Cooney Tests Positive For Coronavirus

MONTVILLE, NJ — Montville Mayor Frank Cooney has tested positive for new coronavirus, the mayor announced on Friday.

In a letter to the township’s residents, he said he is experiencing mild symptoms, and will be in self-isolation for the next 14 days. During the self-isolation, he will continue to participate in township business by phone or email.

“Prior to having any confirmation, I quarantined myself to my home out of an abundance of caution for fear of spreading the virus to others,” Cooney said. “Having said that, it is my moral obligation to let anyone know who I might have come into close contact with since Monday March 16 that the Health Department will be contacting you to provide you with guidance and instructions, and I ask you to be mindfully aware of their own current health status. As we all should be doing right now, I urge you to comply with social distancing guidelines, stay at home as much as possible, wash your hands frequently and correctly, practice good respiratory etiquette by coughing/sneezing into your elbow instead of your hands, avoid ill persons, and if you do start to feel ill, to call your healthcare provider on the phone for guidance.”

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Here's what else you should know:

• State health officials said they believe the virus is "community-spread" in New Jersey. "Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced he planned to shut down all schools on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
• Murphy also imposed new statewide restrictions on Monday, March 16, shutting restaurants, casinos, bars and gyms. He also discouraged non-essential travel in the evening, saying people should stay at home. Read more: NJ Coronavirus: Bars, Restaurants, Theaters To Shut
• The first person in New Jersey to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• State Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced on Saturday, March 14 that municipal court sessions will be suspended for two weeks, beginning Monday, March 16, to mitigate public exposure to COVID-19 coronavirus.
• The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it's closing its offices for two weeks. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus
• Murphy said on Tuesday, March 17 that he's closing all indoor malls and amusement parks and centers. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Malls Closing Due To Coronavirus, 89 New Cases
• Four members of the same New Jersey family died from the coronavirus, according to March 19 reports. Read more: 4 In Same Family, Including 3 In NJ, Die Of Coronavirus: Reports
• Murphy issued an executive order on Thursday, March 19 to ensure voters can exercise their right to vote without risking their health and safety. Read more: Coronavirus Alters NJ Election Procedure, Moves Election Dates
• Murphy also announced that all personal care businesses –including salons, barbers, health clubs and tattoo parlors – will be ordered to close at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. Read more: Gov. Phil Murphy: NJ Barbers, Salons, Spas Must Close

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses. This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.