2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-2019)
Update #21 – May 4, 2020

For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community
A free emotional support helpline is now available to deaf and hard of hearing New Jersey residents feeling the emotional and mental toll of COVID-19. Call the videophone helpline at 973-870-0677 for free confidential support. Direct communication in sign language will be offered from 9am – 5pm Monday thru Friday by live trained specialists.

Local Health Departments and Long Term Care Facilities
Local health departments (LHDs) are the lead agency for investigating outbreaks of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction. They serve as the primary point of contact with long-term care facilities (LTCF) and assisted living facilities (ALFs) in their jurisdictions and are required to report suspect and confirmed outbreaks immediately to NJ Department of Health (NJDOH) and Communicable Disease Services (CDS).

The NJDOH/CDS assist LHDs in managing these outbreaks by providing guidance on surveillance, reporting, infection control and other recommended measures the facility should take to control the outbreak.

The LHD works with the facility to ensure these recommendations are implemented and to obtain status updates on a daily basis. CDS will review outbreak data, identify areas of concern, provide additional guidance through LHDs, and assist the LHD to elevate areas of concern.

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