Reported COVID-19 Cases in Ocean County Down for Second Consecutive Day

TOMS RIVER-It could be optimistic news, but Daniel Regeneye, the Public Health Coordinator for the Ocean County Health Department warns about being overly optimistic as Ocean County’s rate of new COVID-19 cases has declined for the second consecutive day.

We asked Regeneye about his thoughts on the two-day downward trend.

“I noticed that as well and I would like to be optimistic with that but I am not sure. It could be a function of testing/ reporting. Hopefully it is the beginning of a decline but this week and next week will hopefully bring it better into focus,” he said. “We have been working hard around the clock to keep up with this and we thank all of our partners, healthcare workers, first responders’ and residents.”

While new infections are down, area hospitals continue treating infected patients as some hospitals continue operating above normal capacity.

As of Friday, it was reported that 139 patients were on life-saving respirators.

Medical facilities beginning to fill up…

Here’s how the county’s hospitals are faring, according to Brennan, in a post on the Toms River Township website:

Community Medical Center: 592 licensed beds, 50 beds available, 37 vents available, 26 being used, 11 remaining, 67 COVID+ patients admitted, Monmouth Medical Center: 109 licensed beds, 51 beds available, 35 vents available, 9 being used, 26 remaining, 30 COVID+ patients admitted, Brick Hospital: 317 licensed beds, 37 vents available, 37 being used, 0 remaining, 36 COVID+ patients admitted, § Reconfiguring floors due to the number of people being treated in ICU and CCU. Southern Ocean Medical Center: 156 licensed beds, 42 beds available, 18 vents available, 12 being used, 6 remaining, 22 COVID+ patients admitted.

Here’s how new cases are going in other towns in the county…