(Camden, NJ) – As of 2 p.m. on March 12, there remains just one presumptive positive case of coronavirus in Camden County. That patient, whose case was first announced on Friday, March 6, has had his status improve continually over the past several days. The Department of Health is maintaining constant contact with our partners at the state, local, and federal levels to ensure that any possible infections or exposures are identified quickly, and that the risk to the general public is minimized.

Yesterday, the World Health Organization officially declared coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic. With this declaration underscoring the need to treat the coronavirus as seriously as any public health crisis, the Freeholder Board is actively considering all preventative measures which will reduce the risk of coronavirus contraction by Camden County residents.

In recognition of the threat posed by continued spread of the virus, the Freeholder Board announced today the postponement of all remaining spring concerts at the Scottish Rite until the fall.

“Until this changes it bears repeating as many times as possible, the risk assessment for the general public of contracting or spreading coronavirus in our community is still considered low,” said Freeholder Louis Cappelli, Jr. “However, we are advocating that the public take this threat seriously and exercise social distancing while avoiding nonessential mass gatherings to further reduce the likelihood that this virus spreads in Camden County. At this time, we find it is in the best interest of our concert-goers, musical acts, and venue personnel to postpone these events until the fall season begins.”

A full list of the season’s concerts as originally scheduled is available by visiting here. This page will be updated as soon as rescheduled dates have been determined.

In addition to the concert series, several regattas planned on Cooper River have been cancelled by those hosting the events. The following regattas and rowing events have been cancelled at this time:

Knecht Cup: April 10-11
Ivy League: May 17
Patriot League: May 15-17

In an effort to mitigate the potential spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community, the Camden County Freeholder Board announced its initial round of event cancellations earlier this week. An up-to-date list of all cancelled events can be found by visiting the COVID-19 Updates page on camdencounty.com.

“Our first priority is the health, safety, and wellbeing of our residents,” Cappelli said. “While we are disappointed to cancel some of the wonderful events that we had planned in the coming weeks, we will always take whatever steps we believe necessary to keep Camden County safe. Please check camdencounty.com frequently and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on any future cancellations, rescheduling, or postponements, as well as additional information about what the County is doing to combat the coronavirus.”

About COVID-19/What to Do

The COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus which is believed to have first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness such as the common cold, or more severe illness such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

According to the CDC, current understanding about how the coronavirus spreads is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, but it may be possible that a person can contract the illness by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. It is important to reiterate that at this time, the CDC maintains that for the general American public, the immediate health risk from coronavirus is considered low.

The best way to prevent the spread and contraction of coronavirus is practicing good personal hygiene:

• Wash your hands thoroughly, and often, with soap and water for 20 seconds;
• Stay home when you’re sick;
• Avoid contact with others who are sick;
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue; and
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.

Anyone who believes they have been exposed to coronavirus should contact their healthcare provider immediately, and before visiting a providers’ office, hospital, or the emergency room. To prevent the spread of the virus, it is critical that healthcare providers are aware of your symptoms, travel history, and other relevant details before you enter facilities with other patients.

The CDC has issued several travel alerts and warnings for locations where outbreaks have occurred. The CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China, Iran, most of Europe, and South Korea. Risk assessment for all countries is available on the CDC’s webpage available here.

If you are experiencing symptoms following possible exposure to COVID-19, seek medical care as soon as possible. Remember to call ahead and tell the healthcare provider’s office about your recent travel, symptoms, and concern. Please also avoid contact with others and do not travel.

Residents should call 9-1-1 during emergencies only. For those with questions or concerns related to the novel coronavirus, call the free, 24-hour public hotline at 1-800-222-1222 where trained professionals are standing by to answer your questions.

Information regarding Camden County’s preparations, response, and general information provided to the public is available by visiting camdencounty.com. Residents should frequently check the county webpage and social media for up-to-date information.