The following information was sent to all staff, students, and parents of Bloomfield by the district's superintendent. The information doesn't not include the name of the school the patient attended at this time.
The Bloomfield Township Health Officer, Michael Fitzpatrick, received confirmation that an individual who lives in another community, but is a faculty member (teacher) in the Township of Bloomfield School System, tested positive for COVID-19.
In light of the individual’s domicile, the Morris County Department of Health and Human Services will be following all related protocols issued by the State Department of Health for case investigation and contact tracing.
This entails a full inventory of the individual’s recent activities and locations visited. From this assessment, notification to all other individuals who have been identified as close contacts will follow.
These individuals will also be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. In accordance with privacy laws, the Health Department is unable to release any personally identifiable information about this patient, including school name.
However, please know that the last day the faculty member had contact with anyone in the district was March 13, 2020.
Families are reminded to take all recommended precautions and exercise best practices like hand washing and social distancing to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. If you or a family member is experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, call your healthcare provider before arriving for an evaluation.
While the number of positive test results statewide will likely continue to rise, residents should monitor themselves for any symptoms related to the virus.
They include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
The Bloomfield Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), BPD, BFD, the Mayor and Township Committee, and the Bloomfield Public School system will continue to work in close partnership with one another in order to best support our community.
As occurrences of COVID 19 become more prevalent throughout New Jersey, it is crucial to recognize that we have individual and collective obligations to do what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19.
At this time, we should all be reminded to maintain the following health and hygiene behaviors:
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve, not your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Wash hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Avoid people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and objects.
If the general public has questions regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please contact the New Jersey Department of Health Hotline at 800-222-1222.
Please know that we face this public health concern together. We must all take care of ourselves and each other.
Bloomfield is a caring, supportive, and resilient community that can overcome whatever challenges it faces in the coming weeks.