3 NEW COVID-19 POSITIVE CASES IN MONROE TOWNSHIP ON THURSDAY

1 IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY AND 2 COMMUNITY-WIDE

**According to data from the Middlesex County Board of Health, 75% of deaths in Monroe Township are from private long-term care facilities.   

COVID-19 Cases received Thursday, May 14:  New positive cases 3 

STATE AND NJDOH STATISTICS:  

• As of last night:3,823 residents hospitalized for COVID-19.Field medical stations reported 42 patients.
• 285 new hospitalizations yesterday and 357 patients were discharged from the hospital.
• 1,127 patients in either critical or intensive care, 865 ventilators currently in use.
• 75% of ICU patients are on ventilators.
• 527 LTC facilities with COVID-19 cases; 27,374 COVID-19 cases in these facilities.
• The daily positivity rate for tests from May 11^thstood at 23 percent.“We’re at a point where each region is very closely mirroring the statewide average,” Governor Murphy said.
• “We’re seeing a slowing in the number of newly reported cases at our long-term care facilities,” said Governor Murphy.“We continue to see an out-sized proportion of our statewide COVID-19 deaths related to these facilities.We’re continually taking steps to save more lives at these facilities.”
• Governor Murphy said his administration is committing $50 million in federal CARES Act funding to directly support small businesses impacted by COVID-19.“Our small businesses are the heart of our economy. We will use this federal funding to help them make it through and thrive again.”

CONTACT TRACING – HOW IT WORKS & WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:  Want more information about how contact tracing works? How we're expanding testing? Steps we're taking to protect your privacy, and what you can do to help? Visit the Testing and Tracing portal here.

MONROE TOWNSHIP STATISTICS:  The following is a summary of the Monroe Township COVID-19 case data received from Middlesex County from March 14 to May 14. (Recovery data is not available at this time.)  TOTAL CASES: 643 as of May 14
MEN: 295 (46%) with an average age of 54 years old  
WOMEN: 348 (54%) with an average age of 67 years old  

GOVERNOR MURPHY SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ALLOWING ELECTIVE SURGICAL AND OTHER INVASIVE PROCEDURES BEGINNING MAY 26:  New Jersey’s hospitals will be allowed to resume elective surgeries as Gov. Phil Murphy took another step in peeling back restrictions.  The executive order, announced by Murphy at Friday’s press briefing, will allow elective surgeries to start again on May 26.  Read the full NJ.com article here.   

MONROE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT:  Click here to view today’s message from Monroe Township Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Dori Alvich to parents, guardians and staff.  

EXPANDED TESTING AVAILABLE FOR THE PUBLIC:  MyInstaDoc Monroe is offering antibody blood testing and COVID-19 testing for anyone wishing to be tested at the facility located at 298 Applegarth Road.  REGISTER ONLINE FOR AN APPOINTMENT HERE AND ENTER YOUR INSURANCE INFORMAION.  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE SYMPTOMATIC TO SCHEDULE A TEST. COVID-19 Nasal Swab Testing:  This continues to be a drive-up test site, open TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY. You must pre-register to secure a drive-up appointment time.  The facility will serve pre-registered COVID-19 testing patients only from 9am – 3pm.  igG Antibody Blood Testing will be conducted in-office by appointment.  To be considered, a patient must be free from all COVID-19 symptoms for no less than 14 days. This test will assess them for subclinical infection in the past.

UPDATED COVID-19 GUIDANCE ISSUED FOR NJ INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION:  The New Jersey Department of Health today published supplementary COVID-19 guidance for colleges and universities that includes information about support for students, deposit deadlines, student loan support and mental health resources.  Click here for more information.  

COMMUNITY FOODBANK OF NJ SERVES AT-RISK SENIORS:  The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is there to assist at-risk seniors during this difficult time. And May is Older Americans Month. So far, we have delivered over 33,500 low-sodium, heart-healthy meals directly to homebound seniors as part of our pandemic response. Click here for more information.  

TODAY IS NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY:  On Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) and during Police Week (May 10 – 16), we commend the brave men and women of our law enforcement community for continually summoning the courage to fulfill their solemn oath to protect and serve.  We also pause to remember all those who have lost their lives and who have suffered permanent disabilities defending their communities and the rule of law, including the heroes we have lost this year to the coronavirus.  Read the full Presidential Proclamation here. “To every law enforcement family who has lost a loved one in the line of duty – thank you for your sacrifice. Know that the service of your loved one is remembered and revered,” said Governor Murphy.  “May God bless all who protect and serve our nation and our state.”