Atlantic County health officials on Wednesday confirmed the deaths of seven residents of long-term care facilities due to complications from COVID-19.
All had underlying health conditions. They included five Hammonton residents, two men, ages 67 and 79, and three women, ages 78, 90 and 99, in addition to a 71-year-old Galloway man and a 91-year-old Northfield woman.
According to the state Department of Health, more than 50 percent of COVID-19 deaths and 17 percent of cases throughout the state have occurred in long-term care facilities.
Ninety-two new cases of COVID-19 were also reported in Atlantic County among 31 men, ages 23-85 and 61 women, ages 13-94, while 23 more residents were cleared as recovered.
Wednesday’s confirmation brings the countywide totals to 1,276 cases with 58 deaths and 272 recovered residents.
Nineteen new cases were found in Pleasantville, 16 positives were identified in Egg Harbor Township and 10 were confirmed in both Absecon and Hamilton Township. Hammonton had eight new positives, Linwood had seven and Atlantic City and Northfield each had six. Two new cases were confirmed in Buena Vista Township, Galloway, Mullica Township and Somers Point. Brigantine and Egg Harbor City each had one new positive.
Atlantic County will continue its drive-thru testing on Thursday, May 7, by appointment, for symptomatic county residents with a doctor’s prescription, proof of residency and appointment confirmation.
Appointments are available 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and can be made online at www.aclink.org. All testing is conducted behind the Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing.
Those who are unable to keep their appointments are asked to cancel so that others will have an opportunity to be tested.