Coronavirus Update – March 6, 2020

Second NJ Case Reported

Governor Phil Murphy, Acting Governor Sheila Oliver, and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli today identified the second presumptive positive case of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, in New Jersey. New Jersey’s Department of Health said it was waiting for a more detailed analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm the presumptive positive results which were conducted in a state laboratory. The individual, a female in her 30s, is a Bergen County resident. The individual, who has mild symptoms, had her specimen collected at Englewood Hospital and is isolating at home until the New Jersey Department of Health deems her medically cleared.

Here Is What You Need to Know:

Testing

• As coronavirus testing increases, the number of cases identified will increase. This reflects accurate identification, not necessarily an increased amount of infection.
• Testing is only available at state laboratories and for individuals who meet the criteria
.

What Is the Current Status of the Virus at Montclair State University?

• There are currently no confirmed cases on our campus
.
• Health authorities throughout the world are focused on this illness. Montclair State University has professional, highly trained staff members who are closely following developments. We are working closely with the State of New Jersey, and our officials are well-informed and able to make decisions based on the best available evidence. President Cole and the leaders of our institution are committed to protecting the health of the students, faculty, and staff.

Cleaning at Home

You may have noticed that the supermarket shelves are bare in the cleaning aisle.  Don’t panic if you cannot find hand sanitizer, there is still soap and water, and it’s more effective. For your home, you can still protect yourself against germs on surfaces, including coronavirus using a homemade disinfectant. Disinfection is more than just cleaning, it means actually killing a virus or bacteria. Here are some instructions about how to make and use a simple and inexpensive disinfectant solution for use at home.

How to Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

• If possible, wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products used. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
  • Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against Coronaviruses when properly diluted.
    • Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
      ▪ 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or
      ▪ 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

As with all cleaners, keep out of the reach of children.  For more tips on cleaning review CDC guidelines.

Visit the University Health Center Conronavirus website.