At least 20 first responders near Long Beach Island (LBI), NJ, tested positive for the coronavirus after attending a party together, according to health officials.
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At least 20 first responders in NJ test positive for coronavirus after harvesting
Harvey Cedars Mayor Jonathan Oldham said the county employee was informed Thursday of the coronavirus outbreak by the director of the Long Beach Island Department of Health, according to NJ.com.
LBI Health Department officials said more than 20 first responders had been infected.
The mayor added that first responders, about a dozen from Harvey Cedars and Surf City, would be quarantined and not allowed to return to work without the approval of a doctor.
“I heard they were together, exactly where they were or what it was, I’m not sure, but I understand that they were together at an event,” Oldham told NJ.com on Friday.
The Hill contacted the department to clarify the exact number of first responders who were reportedly infected but did not immediately respond.
Health department director Daniel Krupinski told the Philadelphia public radio station WHY on Friday that the department received reports of COVID-19 infections from Surf City lifeguards on July 18 and Harvey Cedars lifeguards. on July 19.
Gov. Phil Murphy announced Friday that New Jersey reported a steady decline in new coronavirus cases in the past two weeks.
Despite hopeful trends, Oldham said he was concerned about the recent cluster of cases, encouraging residents to keep a safe distance and wear a mask.
The number of virus-related deaths rose slightly this week according to a report on Friday, with 36 new deaths, bringing the state total to 15,765.
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