The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Nearly 1,100 township residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, and the death count is inching toward 100, county and local health officials reported on May 9.
A total of 1,098 residents have tested positive for the virus since mid-March, according to the Somerset County Health Department, while the township Office of Emergency Management reports there are 94 deaths attributed to COVID-19.
Franklin residents account for about 31 percent of all coronavirus cases in Somerset County, and 29 percent of all of the deaths in the county.
Test samples for the coronavirus will be collected from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12 and 14 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, must have symptoms of the disease and must have a doctor’s prescription.
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.
