The state Dept. of Health issued a press release around 6 p.m. Saturday announcing that it was not coronavirus after all.
“Test results have come back negative for the person in New Jersey who was under investigation for novel coronavirus.”
The state department of health also stated that there is nobody else in New Jersey awaiting testing for the virus that causes COVID-19.
“Most New Jersey residents are at low risk for novel coronavirus,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli in a statement. “If individuals are having symptoms, the illness is much more likely to be caused by common respiratory viruses such as flu or the common cold.”
Freeholder Sue Kiley, the liaison to the county health department, said the patient suspected of coronavirus at Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel was tested right away and the results were returned quickly.
Earlier on Saturday, hospital officials shared that they were investigating a suspected case of coronavirus at Bayshore. They did not identify the patient, but said they had been isolated.
Hackensack Meridian Health Chief Physician Executive Daniel W. Varga, M.D. said the Infection Prevention team was working with New Jersey’s Department of Health in accordance with protocols provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
Varga said the hospital screens patients with appropriate symptoms for travel history to China, Italy, Iran, Japan and South Korea. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Varga added: “Hackensack Meridian Health is routinely engaged in emergency management practices and prepared to manage suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. We are dedicated to the care and well-being of communities. We will continue to keep you informed.”
More coronavirus coverage in the Two River Times:
- Anxiety About Coronavirus Can Affect Children, Feb 14, 2020
- Coronavirus: Keep Calm and Carry a Tissue, Jan. 20, 2020
