Man in Fort Lee first to test positive for coronavirus in New Jersey

It was announced Wednesday that a 32-year-old man in Fort Lee, New Jersey, was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, making him the first to test positive in the state, according to an article on NJ Advance Media.

Mayor Mark Sokolich said the man, who is currently unidentified, arrived at the Hackensack University Medical Center and was placed in isolation on Tuesday, according to the article. Officials are waiting for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to confirm the diagnosis.

“It’s a presumptive-positive test for coronavirus that was performed by the hospital,” Sokolich said, according to the article.

Sokolich said the man is currently in stable condition and is hoping to gather more information on where he was prior to contracting the virus, according to the article. They are also unaware of his occupation.

Chief Physician Dr. Daniel Varga at Hackensack University Medical Center released an email to faculty, saying the patient is currently doing well, according to the article. He remains isolated and has visitation restrictions, and the hospital is complying with CDC guidelines.

Another patient is suspected to have coronavirus at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, according to the article.

Sokolich said a local task force, consisting of the governing body, police chief, health officials and other community leaders will keep the public updated, according to the article.

“Providing you with accurate and updated information is critical to effectively addressing this health crisis,” Sokolich said, according to the article. “Fort Lee is in constant contact with federal, state and county agencies and we will update our local websites as regularly as needed to provide you with the most current information available.”

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco said county agencies have been in contact with local health officers, as well as with Gov. Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), according to the article.

While nine individuals have tested negative for the virus in New Jersey, Murphy said the virus was still likely to spread to the state, according to the article. State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said most New Jersey residents are actually at low risk of contracting coronavirus.