COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, which is believed to have first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness such as the common cold, or more severe illness such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19, not seen in humans before.

According to the CDC, COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly though respiratory droplets from person-to-person in close contact with one another within 6 feet, when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks or breathes. Virus can also spread from a COVID-19 infected person who does not show any symptoms.

A person may contract the illness by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.

COVID-19 transmission may also occur sometimes through smaller respiratory particles (droplets) as airborne, particularly in the environment with inadequate air ventilation system and in closed spaces.

Few cases of pets including cats and dogs have been reported worldwide to be infected with COVID-19 virus. The risk of spreading the virus from animals to humans is low.

Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19

The symptoms of COVID-19 appear 2-14 days after the exposure to the virus. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting

Emergency warning signs/symptoms include:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
•  New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
•  Bluish lips or face

There may be other possible symptoms that are severe, and concerning, not included in the list. Please call your medical provider and seek immediate medical attention.

To help slow the virus spread, CDC and NJDOH recommends we continue to follow all safety measures such as:

Wash your hands frequently with soap & water for at least 20 secs /use of 60% or greater alcohol-based hand sanitizer if no access to water.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

Maintain a social distance of 6 feet (2 arm lengths) or more from other people when outside your home.

Wear a mask in indoor public settings even if you are vaccinated.

Avoid big crowds to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Delay travel until you are fully vaccinated based on CDC guidance.

Avoid sick contact. If a household member is sick, maintain 6 feet of distance from the sick person.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue/ use inside of the elbow if there is no immediate access to tissues. Discard the tissues in the trash and wash your hands immediately.

Stay home if you are sick and talk to your health care provider. Call your doctor ahead before the visit. If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and self- isolate except to get medical care/for any emergencies.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

For more information visit the State DOH Covid-19 Information Hub. 

Stay home. Monitor your symptoms and call your medical provider if you think you may have COVID-19.

If you need to seek medical care, call the medical provider ahead.

If you have severe emergency warning signs/symptoms, seek medical care immediately.

Stay away from household members and pets, in a separate room if possible.

Wear a cloth or a disposable mask even at home, and when around people.

Avoid sharing personal items.

Clean and disinfect all high touch surfaces.

Avoid public transportation or share rides/taxis.

For any concerns/additional guidance call the city COVID-19 crisis manager at (201) 547-6800.     

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is updating its guidance on isolation and quarantine period for both the public and healthcare providers based on new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Isolation period for the individuals with COVID-19 who do not have symptoms has been shortened from 10 days to 5 days followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others.

NJDOH is also adopting changes to the recommended quarantine period for members of the general public who have been exposed to COVID-19. Individuals who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second dose of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine and not yet boosted, should quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. Individuals who have received their booster vaccine do not need to quarantine following an exposure, however they should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure.

NJDOH is also updating its guidance to decrease isolation time for health care workers after COVID-19 illness. Healthcare workers with COVID-19 who are without symptoms can return to work after 7 days with a negative test. Healthcare workers who have received all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including a booster, do not need to quarantine at home following high-risk exposures.

Updated 1/3/21

•  New Jersey Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) – Frequently Asked Questions
• Instructions for Persons Who Test Positive for COVID-19
• Instructions for Persons Who Test Negative for COVID-19
• How Soon after COVID-19 Exposure Should I Get Tested?
• HealthierJC Twitter Feed
• Public Health Emergency Preparedness Guides
• Family Preparedness Wallet Cards
• Are you Prepared Family Emergency Checklist Trifolds