Positive Coronavirus Test For Morris School Teacher

This article originally appeared on the Morristown Patch

MORRISTOWN, NJ – Any employee or attendee of Alexander Hamilton Elementary School is being instructed to self-quarantine after a teacher tested positive for novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, officials said Wednesday.

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“Anyone who attended school or worked at Alexander Hamilton School between March 10 through March 13, may have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus,” officials said in a statement. “In accordance with NJ Department of Health guidelines, the local health departments are advising that those who attended school or worked at Alexander Hamilton School during this time must self-quarantine at home for 14 days after the last date of possible exposure, March 13. Those who develop symptoms must consult with their physician and/or local health department, as the need to self-quarantine may extend beyond the 14-day quarantine period.”

Officials said that within the 14-day quarantine, if anyone develop symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, or abdominal cramping, to contact a primary care physician by phone. Do not show up to a doctor’s office or the hospital without calling. the physician may direct you to call the health department of the town in which you live to self-report your symptoms and to ask where you may get COVID-19 testing in your area. Those without a primary care physician can contact a COVID-19 triage nurse who can be reached at (973) 971-6117.

The Town of Morristown and Borough of Morris Plains residents can also call the Morris County Office of Health Management (MOCHM) COVID-19 hotline at (973) 829-8250. Note this line is only open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The MCOHM hotline has bilingual staff who can assist. Morris Township residents can also contact the Morris Township Health Department at (973) 326-7390.

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Here’s what else you should know:

• State health officials said they believe the virus is “community-spread” in New Jersey. “Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us,” Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be ‘Community-Spread’ In NJ

• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order, closing all non-essential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ ‘Stay-At-Home’ Order Due To Coronavirus

• On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced that all schools would close on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy

• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis

• Murphy issued an executive order on Thursday, March 19 to ensure voters can exercise their right to vote without risking their health and safety. Read more: Coronavirus Alters NJ Election Procedure, Moves Election Dates

• The first person in New Jersey to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor

• New Jersey’s courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System

• Rabner also announced on Saturday, March 14 that municipal court sessions will be suspended.

• The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it’s also closing temporarily. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus

• Four members of the same New Jersey family died from the coronavirus, according to March 19 reports. Read more: 4 In Same Family, Including 3 In NJ, Die Of Coronavirus: Reports

• Murphy also has signed 16 bills into law that he says will help the state deal with the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: NJ Gov. Phil Murphy Signs 16 Coronavirus Bills Into Law

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.
There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.
While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses.

This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Residents who have questions about the virus can contact the State of New Jersey’s hotline at 1 (800) 222-1222. The hotline is home of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System, and is staffed 24 hours a day by state health workers.

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