MediaWize

The Cape May County Department of Health reported Saturday that a 72-year-old woman from Upper Township died from COVID -19. She had underlying health conditions and is the first person in the county to die from the virus. “I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones during this time of loss,” Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton said. “As COVID-19 continues to spread in Cape May County, we must all do what we can to keep each other safe.” Additionally, 16 more positive cases of Covid-19 were reported Saturday, which brings the total number to 69 in Cape May County.

The Cape May County Department of Health and CompleteCare Health Network are partnering to open a drive-through COVID-19 testing site. The drive-through will be by appointment only, once a week. At this time, testing will only be for CompleteCare patients, as well as Cape May County residents, who are sick with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath and that meet certain criteria.

Cape May County reported four new COVID-19 cases on Friday, bringing the total number in the county to 53. The latest cases were a 56-year-old female, 56-year-old male, 59-year-old female and a 26-year-old male, the county reported in a press release. A breakdown of confirmed coronavirus cases for each municipality in Cape May County follows.

Mayor Jay Gillian announced Friday that Ocean City's Spring Block Party scheduled for May 2 has been canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak. "I want to thank everybody for their understanding as we continue to suspend all social gathering in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19," the mayor said in his weekly message to the public. The rest of his message follows.

The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Watch in effect for Ocean City from late Friday night through Saturday morning. A storm system off the coast and strong north to northeast winds will combine to create at least one exceptionally high tide.

Cape May County reported 16 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday. The people include a 79-year-old female, 49-year-old male, 57-year-old female, 72-year-old male, 61-year-old male, 67-year-old male, 63-year-old female, 72-year-old female, 68-year-old male, 62-year-old female, 52-year-old male, 31-year-old female, 70-year-old female, 46-year-old male, 56-year-old female and 58-year-old male. The latest cases bring Cape May County’s total number to 49, although 13 people have fully recovered, the county said in a press release.

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday that the annual Spring Block Party scheduled for May 2 has been canceled due to social distancing guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control to help stop the spread of COVID-19. “This is not something that we wanted to do, but felt it was best for the safety of our community and merchants,” the Chamber stated in an email message about the cancellation. “We hope that everyone stays safe and healthy!”

Cape May County’s number of COVID-19 cases has increased by seven, bringing the total to 33. Eleven of the people have fully recovered, according to a press release Wednesday. The new cases include a 19-year-old female, 72-year-old female, 58-year-old male, 64-year-old female, 51-year-old male, 49-year-old female and a 22-year-old female.

The Cape May County Chiefs of Police Association is showing support for local healthcare professionals who are working on the frontlines to protect Cape May County residents during the coronavirus outbreak. On Monday, the association donated more than 100 lunches to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Cape Regional Medical Center and the area’s urgent care centers. The lunches were purchased by the association at local eateries, including Hugit’s Steak and Things, Crest Tavern, Claudio’s Pizza Kitchen and the Dog Tooth Bar & Grill. Local eateries were chosen to help them out with their business while they are under COVID-19 restrictions that limit them to takeout orders and deliveries.

Seven new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Cape May County, bringing the total number countywide to 26. The latest cases include a 26-year-old male, 51-year-old male, 18-year-old female, 67-year-old female, 76-year-old female, 77-year-old male and a 29-year-old male, the county reported Tuesday. A breakdown showing the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in each municipality in Cape May County follows.