7 NEW COVID-19 POSITIVE CASES REPORTED IN MONROE TOWNSHIP OVER THREE-DAY PERIOD: 3 ON SATURDAY, 1 ON SUNDAY, 3 ON MONDAY

1 IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY, 1 IN NJ TRAINING SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND 5 COMMUNITY-WIDE

COVID-19 Cases received Saturday, May 23:  

New positive cases 3:  6, female; 39, female; 39, male

COVID-19 Cases received Sunday, May 24:

New positive case 1:  87, female

COVID-19 Cases received Monday, May 25:

New positive cases 3:  92, female; 16, male; 76, male

STATE AND NJDOH STATISTICS:  

• Governor Murphy warns, “the low number of new positive cases and deaths we’re reporting today may be due to a delay in reporting over the holiday weekend.”
• NJ hospitals currently have 2,723 patients being treated for COVID-19 - a decrease of nearly 1,500 over the past two weeks. 
• Today hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers can begin performing urgent elective surgeries for procedures postponed due to COVID-19.
• 134 new hospitalizations and 131 patients were discharged from the hospital yesterday.
• 786 patients (74%) in either critical or intensive care – down roughly 450 from two weeks ago; 578 ventilators currently in use – down roughly 350 from two weeks ago.
• The daily positivity rate for tests from May 21 was 5 percent.
• “The new cases at our long-term care facilities continue to be far down from the peak,” said Governor Murphy.“The numbers of lab-confirmed deaths associated with our long-term care facilities continues its decrease from the peak.”
• 23 cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children - no deaths reported.
• Ages of children affected range from 1-18.All children have tested positive for current or recent COVID-19.5 remain hospitalized.  

NJ SCHOOLS CAN HAVE IN-PERSON GRADUATIONS IN JULY, MURPHY SAYS:  Beginning July 6, schools will have the opportunity to hold outdoor graduation ceremonies that comply with social distancing.  “To the Class of 2020, I am proud to say that you will have your opportunity to join with your classmates and families to celebrate your graduation,” said Governor Murphy. Read the NJ.com article here.

 DOWNWARD TREND FOR OUTBREAK CONTINUES.  GOVERNOR MURPHY:“WE’RE MOVING CLOSER TO PHASE 2”:  The coronavirus outbreak in New Jersey has led to 11,191 deaths with 155,765 total cases confirmed in the latest update by health officials Tuesday as the state continues to slowly lift near-lockdown restrictions that have closed schools and nonessential businesses for more than two months.  “We continue to see many positive signs that we can keep moving forward,” Murphy said during a briefing in Trenton. “We’re moving closer to being able to enter Phase 2 of our economic restart.”  Click herefor more information on the state’s multiphase blueprint for “The Road Back.”

ANTIBODY TESTING & COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE:  MyInstaDoc Monroe is offering igG Antibody Testingand COVID-19 Swab Testingat their facility at 298 Applegarth Road.  

igG Antibody Blood Testing conducted in-office by appointment.  Call for an appointment at 609-207-3220.  A patient must be free from all COVID-19 symptoms for a period of no less than 14 days. This test will assess them for subclinical infection in the past.

COVID-19 Nasal Swab Testing:  This testing is a drive-up test site, open TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY. You must pre-register here to secure an appointment time. The facility will serve pre-registered COVID-19 testing patients only from 9am – 1pm and drive-up patients from 1pm – 3:30pm.

TESTING AVAILABLE AT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN URGENT CARE IN MONROE:  Located at 215 Applegarth Road, this facility is offering antibody blood testing and COVID-19 nasal swab testing walk-in or by appointment from 8am – 8pm Monday through Friday and from 8am – 4pm Saturday and Sunday.  Call 732-263-7922 to schedule an appointment.  NOTE:  Please call ahead if you are symptomatic.   

MIDDLESEX COUNTY COVID-19 TESTING:  Middlesex County’s Department of Public Safety & Health and Office of Health Services offer drive-through and walk-up COVID-19 testing sites. Testing is free for Middlesex County residents but require an appointment.  Click here for additional information.

LOST HEALTH INSURANCE DUE TO COVID-19?:  If you have lost employer coverage or income, you may be able to enroll in coverage now through a Special Enrollment Period.  Make sure you check with your employer or current health plan first about any options they are providing related to COVID-19 before you sign up for new coverage.  Free or low-cost coverage is also available through NJ Family Care for those who qualify. Click here for more information.