Coronavirus Update: 8 New Cases, No New Deaths

Editor’s Note: We are now only using numbers supplied by the township Office of Emergency Management, due to the Somerset County Health Department’s practice of not counting township residents who leave Franklin after testing positive, or of counting out-of-towners who come to Franklin after testing positive.

With eight more township residents reported as having tested positive for the coronavirus in the previous 24 hours, the total number of Franklinites who tested positive is 1,155, teh township Office of Emergency Management reported on May 20.

The number of township residents whose deaths were attributed to teh virus remained steady at 107, the OEM reported.

Test samples for the coronavirus will be collected from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 21 and 28, and June 2 and 4 at the joint Somerset-Hunterdon drive-through testing facility at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg.

To be tested, you must make an appointment, be a resident of Somerset or Hunterdon county aged 5 years or older, must have symptoms of the disease and must have a doctor’s prescription and identification.

Patients are required to provide a copy of their prescription, either by bringing it with them to the testing site, or by sending it via email in advance of the appointment.  Patients or their physicians can send the written authorization to the Somerset County Department of Health at coronavirus@co.somerset.nj.us, with the word “Prescription” in the subject line.Faxes can be sent to 908-704-8042.

Residents can make an appointment by visiting https://somerset-hunterdon.adlabscovidtest.com where they will complete a registration form. Residents without access to a computer can call (908) 237-7150.

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.

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