Westfield Regional Health Department Updates

MARCH 25, 2020 UPDATE FROM REGIONAL HEALTH DIRECTOR MEGAN AVALLONE

In response to some questions I’ve received about the process surrounding identification of positive COVID-19 cases, I want to share some additional details.

It is the responsibility of the local Health Department to first review and confirm all test results. Residents do not need to self-report, as the Health Department follows up on each result received, even though timing may be that a patient receives notification before we do. It is important to remember that we need to confirm results on our end before an investigation begins.

Once the Health Department receives a positive COVID-19 result through their electronic system, an interview of the positive case is then conducted to obtain information on demographics, signs, symptoms and possible exposure sources (for example work, travel, exposure to another confirmed COVID 19 case). The resident is then provided guidance on social distancing and other infection control measures. The resident is also given the opportunity to ask any questions they may have and to add anything they feel is important about their particular case.

Once the interview is complete, the Health Department focuses on any close contacts the confirmed case had. A close contact is defined as anyone who has been less than six feet apart from the case for more than ten minutes. It is not defined as brief casual contact. Close contacts are notified and provided information for quarantine, with an emphasis placed on those contacts who are high risk. An example of a high risk contact would be someone who has a co-morbidity, is an elder adult, or someone who is a health care worker.

While concern about exposures from visiting supermarkets and other locations where social distancing remains difficult is understandable, it is important to remember that the most effective transmission takes place during prolonged close contact and not casual interaction. It is also important to remember not to leave your house if you do not feel well, even if you do not have a fever. It is truly important to stay in your home unless you absolutely must go out. We are urging residents not to gather with others and to pay attention to how you feel. If you start to develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please contact your health care provider by phone.

As a community, we will get through this, but we need to all work together first. We can start that process by each doing our part: staying home, not allowing visitors, washing our hands, and staying away from others if we become sick. Be assured that the Health Department is working around the clock to keep each of the communities we serve safer and healthier.

FURTHER UPDATE: MARCH 25, 2020

• The number of cases of COVID-19 is rising quickly and ongoing spread is being seen in New Jersey.
• Those who are most likely to develop serious illness from COVID-19 include:
• Those who are 65 and older
• Nursing home or long term care facility residents
• People of any age that have heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease, especially if these conditions are uncontrolled.
• A self-assessment tool from the NJ Department of Health 
• 211 is now also serving as a public COVID-19 call center
• Residents can text NJCOVID to 898-211 to stay informed via text messaging
• For an update of cases by county, there is now a dashboard 
• The NJ Department of Human Services operates a toll free “warm line” which is a resource for people seeking mental health service.  The warm line is available 24 hours and has operators in multiple languages.  The number is (877) 294-HELP (4357).
• If you feel as though you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19, please call before going to your health care provider.

WHAT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS DOING?

The Westfield Regional Health Department (WRHD) has been and will continue to actively monitor the evolving situation involving COVID-19 in New Jersey. In addition, we are reviewing and sharing the guidance that is being provided by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)  and the CDC.

The WRHD has taken some additional internal preparedness actions that include:

• Interviewing all confirmed positives and following up on case investigations
• Participating in NJDOH and CDC information and guidance conference calls and webinars
• Maintaining daily contact with State Epidemiologists on the changing situation
• Conducting collaborative meetings with the other public health agencies from the surrounding area
• Reviewing applicable emergency plans and procedures, including the Department’s Pandemic Plan
• Communicating with local schools and health care providers to provide updated guidance

In addition, due to the recent COVID-19 activity in long term care facilities (LTCF) in other states, we have been in contact with our LTCF to ensure that they are prepared if we start to see an increase in cases in New Jersey.

Please be assured that if and when this situation rises to the level that warrants additional proactive preparedness, response or mitigation actions, the WRHD will act in accordance with our plans and take the appropriate actions

WHAT ABOUT THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY AND PANDEMIC DECLARATION?

On March 9, 2020 Governor Murphy declared a State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This allows state agencies and departments to utilize state resources to assist affected communities responding to and recovering from COVID-19 cases. Additionally, the declaration triggers other executive powers and safeguards, such as prohibiting excessive price increases pursuant to New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act and the ability to waive certain procurement procedures to expedite the delivery of goods and services necessary for coronavirus preparedness and response efforts.
Governor Murphy’s emergency declaration also empowers all State agencies, specifically the Departments of Banking and Insurance, Health, Human Services, and the Civil Service Commission to take all appropriate steps to address the public health hazard of COVID-19.

Additionally, on March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.  A pandemic is a disease that has become widespread around the world. The declaration is just a characterization of the activity we have been seeing worldwide.

WHAT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS DOING?

The Westfield Regional Health Department (WRHD) has been and will continue to actively monitor the evolving situation involving COVID-19 in New Jersey. In addition, we are reviewing and sharing the guidance that is being provided by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the CDC.

The WRHD has taken some additional internal preparedness actions that include:

• Participating in NJDOH and CDC information and guidance conference calls and webinars
• Maintaining daily contact with State Epidemiologists on the changing situation
• Conducting collaborative meetings with the other public health agencies from the surrounding area
• Reviewing applicable emergency plans and procedures, including the Department’s Pandemic Plan
• Communicating with local schools and health care providers to provide updated guidance

In addition, due to the recent COVID-19 activity in long term care facilities (LTCF) in other states, we have been in contact with our LTCF to ensure that they are prepared if we start to see an increase in cases in New Jersey.

Please be assured that if and when this situation rises to the level that warrants additional proactive preparedness, response or mitigation actions, the WRHD will act in accordance with our plans and take the appropriate actions.

PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING:

Now is the time to stay home as much as possible, avoid crowds and keep 6-10 feet apart from other people if you have to go out. All non-essential travel and outings should be postponed.

As with all illnesses, it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of germs:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve while coughing or sneezing
• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home if you are sick
• If using hand sanitizer, ensure it contains at least 60% alcohol

If you are sick and have symptoms such as a cough and fever, it is recommended that you stay at home and do not attend public gatherings or go to work/school. If you are not sick you should still practice good hand hygene and avoid sick people.

If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to your age or a severe underlying medical condtion, it is especially important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure. You should also talk to your health care provider ahead of time to have a plan in place in the event you become sick.

We encourage residents to call the NJ COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 if they have general questions about novel coronavirus. The hotline is open 24/7 and has multi-language capacity. Callers who need medical advise should contact their health care provider.

It is important to have factual up to date information on novel coronavirus.Be certain to get information from trusted and credible sources, such as the CDC, NJDOH, your local health department and the call center.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are providing live updates to their page.

New Jersey specific information.

Additional information can also be found at the Westfield Regional Health Department’s webpage.

Providing Public Health and Environmental Services to

 Chatham Borough, Fanwood, Garwood, Mountainside, 

New Providence, Roselle Park, Summit and Westfield