Another Franklin Township resident’s death has been attributed to the coronavirus, the township Office of Emergency Management reported on October 21.

There have now been 153 township residents whose deaths have been attributed to the virus, OEM reported.

OEM also reported four more positive test results among Franklin residents, bringing that total to 1,679 since mid-March.

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 coronavirus and antibody testing and flu shots are available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Franklin Middle School Hamilton Street Campus, 415 Francis Street. No insurance necessary, but a photo ID is requested. Reservations are suggested, but walk-ins are accepted. To register, click here.

Also, the Somerset County Department of Health will hold drive-thru COVID-19 testing at Raritan Valley Community College on Thursday, Oct. 22, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.  Future dates will be determined based on availability of test kits.

• Residents will need an appointment and a valid form of identification to access the testing center. A physician’s prescription is not required.
• Testing is free of charge and open to Somerset County residents, age five (5) and older.
• Appointments can be scheduled online at https://somerset-hunterdon.adlabscovidtest.com.  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 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.