Four of six new coronavirus patients from South Brunswick are hospitalized

SOUTH BRUNSWICK – The latest statistics related to the COVID-19 pandemic from Governor Phil Murphy’s office include 1,982 new positive test results in New Jersey for a statewide total of 8,825. Middlesex County reported 126 new cases for a total of 640. South Brunswick has been notified of six new cases and now has a total of 25 positive cases; they ranged in age from 46 to 72, and four of the six are hospitalized, according to information provided by the South Brunswick Police Department on March 27.

“New Jersey’s state laboratory has run 28,043 coronavirus tests since the outbreak started, with 8,296 positive tests — a positive rate of 33.4%,” state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said earlier in the day, according to the statement. “There are 1,080 residents who have tested positive and were hospitalized as of late this week, though many more cases are under investigation.

“Our expectation is that by mid-April we will be seeing an increasing demand in critical care beds,” she said, urging again for social distancing. “It’s the only tool we have in our tool kit.  This is your contribution — your donation, so to speak, to actually saving lives.”

Persichilli said she may have numbers by Monday on how many New Jerseyans with the virus have recovered.

In the meantime, MyInstaDoc, 298 Applegarth Road, Monroe, will serve pre-registered patients only from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and drive-up patients from 1-3:30 p.m. Testing will continue on March 28 and March 31.  Pre-register at www.myinstadocmonroe.com or call 609-207-3220 to speak with a medical professional.

Additionally, PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel will open for testing at 8 a.m. on March 30.  The PNC Arts Center will have 500 tests.

In addition, Murphy put out a call for volunteers with qualified medical training and experience who wish to join the fight against COVID-19. Desired volunteers include retired nurses or doctors, nursing and medical students, EMTs and former members of the Armed Services’ medical corps. Interested parties should sign up at www.covid19.nj.gov/volunteer.