A West Windsor Township resident has tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first case in the township, said West Windsor Township Mayor Hemant Marathe and West Windsor Township Health Officer Jill Swanson.
The West Windsor Township Health Department received notification of the test results March 19. The resident has mild symptoms and is in self-quarantine at home, officials said.
The West Windsor Township Health Department has started its investigation to identify close contacts of the resident and will be in touch with them, officials said. A close contact is anyone who had prolonged or personal interaction with the resident.
Once they have been identified, close contacts will be told to remain home for 14 days – the incubation period for COVID-19 – and to self-monitor for symptoms. Health Department officials will also monitor them periodically.
Marathe and Swanson are encouraging residents to reach out to family members and neighbors who are at highest risk for COVID-19. The elderly and people of all ages with underlying medical conditions are most vulnerable.
“Please look around you to identify people in your life who are at-risk and take immediate steps to help them remain in their homes and away from crowded stores and venues,” Marathe said.
“Check in by telephone on a regular basis to ensure they have adequate supplies and remain healthy. Working together as a team, we can help lessen the impact of this outbreak on our community,” Marathe said.