Coronavirus Update: 38 New Positive Test Results Over 48 Hours
The number of Franklin Township residents who have tested positive for the coronavirus increased by 38 over the past 48 hours, the township Office of Emergency Management reported on November 30.
There were 25 new positive test results reported on November 29, and 13 reported on November 30, OEM said.
That brings to 2,261 the number of Franklin residents who have tested positive for the virus since mid-March, OEM reported.
There were 487 new cases reported in November alone. That number represents 22 percent of all positive tests in the township.
The deaths of 158 township residents have been attributed to the virus, OEM reported.
Note: These are the latest reported numbers for positive test results and deaths, as of the date indicated. These numbers may change, due to periodic inaccuracies in the reporting method. The Franklin Reporter & Advocate has no opportunity to check these numbers in real time.
Free COVID-19 and COVID antibody tests, as well as flu shots, are being offered in Franklin on the following dates and times:
- Dec. 1: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Franklin Township Board of Education campus, formerly Consolata Missionaries, 2301 Route 27. Click here for an appointment.
- Dec. 6: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Franklin Middle School – Hamilton Street Campus, 415 Francis Street. Click here for an appointment.
No one will be turned away and no prescription is required, although a photo ID is requested.
The testing is sponsored by the township, the Board of Education and the Franklin Township Interfaith Council.
The Somerset County Department of Health will hold drive-thru COVID-19 testing at Raritan Valley Community College from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 2.
Residents will need to make an appointment and have a valid form of identification to access the testing center. Appointments can be scheduled online at https://somerset-hunterdon.adlabscovidtest.com/. A physician’s prescription is not required. Testing is free of charge and open to Somerset County residents, age five (5) and older.
Residents who do not have computer access, or who would like to schedule an appointment for children age five to 18 years old, can call the COVID-19 testing information line at 908-203-6014, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., not including county holidays.
For the safety, health and security of staff and volunteers, patients must arrive by car. The drive-thru test site will not allow entry if residents do not arrive in a vehicle, even if they have a valid ID. Anyone who does not have an appointment will be turned away.
When coming to the testing center, residents are asked to use the main entrance to the college campus, off Route 28.
Information about area test sites can be found at https://bit.ly/AreaSites20 or https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing.
Test sites can also be found online by visiting the New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub at https://covid19.nj.gov/testing.
The township OEM says that the best way to protect yourself and your family from this coronavirus and other diseases is to follow simple daily health precautions:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Stay at home unless you are essential or seeking essential services.
The New Jersey Department of Health is providing information to residents and has set up a 24/7 public hotline with the New Jersey Coronavirus & Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.