Current Bordentown
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APRIL 2020 FREE
COMMUNITYNEWS.ORG
CoPIng wIth CoVId-19 We’re in this together
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? These symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to COVID-19: If emergency warning signs develop, get medical attention immediately
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
SAM SCIARROTTA FROM THE EDITOR
Hi, Bordentown. A typical April issue of the Current is usually packed to the brim with some of my favorite content—outdoor activity roundups to mark the arrival of warm weather, fun photo spreads, spring sports coverage. But this year’s edition looks much different. The last couple of weeks have been many things—panicked, uncertain, hectic. With our coronavirus coverage, our goal is not to alarm you, but to give you the information you need in order to stay safe, stay informed and stay connected. We want to keep things in context in order to help you make decisions. We want to highlight the things going on in our community—good and bad— that might affect you during this extraordinary time. The spread of COVID-19 has completely upended the way we’re living our lives, from remote learning and working from home to, yes, the appearance of our local newspapers. Beyond that, though, a good chunk of lives are being irreparably altered. As of March 25, coronavirus has killed nearly 20,000 people, 44 of them in See TOGETHER, Page 4
· Difficulty breathing · Persistent pain or pressure in the chest · New confusion or inability to arouse · Bluish lips or face
HOW DOES IT SPREAD? The COVID-19 virus is mainly spread person-to-person by being in close contact with someone (within 6 ft.) or through respiratory droplets from an infected person sneezing or coughing. Another way COVID-19 can spread is by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes. HOW CAN I REDUCE MY RISK?
Wash hands ofte n
Stay home
Limit personal contact (6 ft.)
Stay away from sick people
Clean & disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Don’t touch eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
Practice social distancing
How to stay safe and County launches coronavirus taskforce be smart By NicoLe ViviAno
A taskforce was formed in Burlington County earlier this month in order to confront the recent outbreak and concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus. The Burlington County Coronavirus Task Force initiated by the county Freeholders was announced at a March 4 public meeting by freeholder director Felicia Hopson. With COVID-19 spreading throughout the county and world the need for an official body to lead the county’s efforts was appar-
ent. The task force’s priority is keeping Burlington County residents safe and informed. In charge of managing the county’s response to COVID19, Health Department director Dr. Herb Conaway has since been named head of the task force. As an over 20-year practicing physician, director of the county Health Department and a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, serving as chairman of the Health Committee, Conaway was a natural choice for the position, Hopson said. See TASKFORCE, Page 11
CDC, Department of Health offer tips and best practices By NicoLe ViviAno
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has come with an abundance of information since the pandemic has taken hold in New Jersey. The respiratory illness has prompted social distancing protocols in the state, cancelations of large gatherings and events and has made schools and colleges move all learning to remote
Ask The Doctor brought to you by
See our column on page 26
access While many sources have published helpful and necessary information, some of it may seem overly comprehensive and divided among different platforms. Information from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, New Jersey Department of Health and Mercer County government has been consolidated for ease of access. It is important to note that new information regarding COVID-19 is being shared frequently and rapidly by these See FAQ, Page 8
(609) 379-3860 www.TitleEvolution.com See our our ad ad on on page See page 25
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