Cape May County Now Has Antibody Testing Available

Cape May Court House- The number of COVID-19 cases continue to increase, New Jersey has 128,269 total COVID-19 cases and 7,910 deaths. Cape May County’s total has increased by 10 cases, making a total of 371 cases in the county. In total, 25 Cape May County residents have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The most recent passing involves a 70-year-old male from Middle Township as well as a 72-year-old male from Lower Township.

“It is with great sadness that we announce more lives lost to this pandemic,” said Cape May County Freeholder Jeff Pierson “Our sympathies and thoughts go out to these families. The death of two of our community members is a reminder to us all to continue to heed the precautions associated with preventing the spread of this disease.”

As testing starts to become more available in Cape May County, so does antibody testing. Antibody testing will give us a better understanding of the virus and help us in our response against COVID-19.

“Now that we have the antibody testing it is going to give us an even bigger picture on how many individuals were exposed to the disease. It is still has not been proven on how much protection the antibodies give an individual, so social distance is still the key in prevention.” said Kevin Thomas, Health Officer.

Centers for Diseases Control and Protection states that the blood test checks for antibodies that show up if you had a previous infection with the Covid-19 virus. Depending on when someone was infected and the timing of the test, the test may not find antibodies in someone with a current COVID-19 infection. Antibodies usually take up to 3 weeks or longer to show up on testing. Antibodies are proteins that help fight off infections, but it is still unknown if antibodies prevent you from spreading the virus or being reinfected by the virus. Antibody tests should not be used as the only way to diagnose someone as being currently sick with COVID-19. If you have symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, loss of taste, and/or cough, call you healthcare provider to ask about testing. To receive antibody testing or for additional information call your healthcare provider.

Stay up to date on the current situation as it evolves. Some reliable sources are New Jersey Poison Information and Education System hotline at 211 or 1-800-962-1253, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov, the World Health Organization at www.who.int, the New Jersey Department of Health at COVID19.nj.gov. For additional information visit Cape May County Department of Health at www.cmchealth.net, also like us on Facebook.