Montgomery Reports First COVID-19 Death, While Number of Twp Infections Remains Low

A Montgomery Township resident, between the ages of 60 and 69, died as a result of COVID-19 complications according to an announcement made the evening of Wednesday, April 15.

“We have been informed of a very sad milestone: the first death in Montgomery Township resulting from a coronavirus infection," Montgomery Mayor Sadaf Jaffer said. "On behalf of the entire township committee, I extend my deepest sympathies to the resident’s family and loved ones.”

Compared to other Somerset County towns such as Bridgewater, Franklin Township, and Hillsborough, the overall infection rate in Montgomery Township is low.

“Our community has really pulled together to help one another and comply with New Jersey’s physical distancing measures to protect ourselves and each other," Jaffer said. "Thank you to everyone for doing your part to prevent the spread of this virus. We believe that Montgomery will remain strong, even in this time of loss. The township committee and staff remain resolved to do everything we can to provide help and support to our community during this difficult time.”

The Montgomery Health department will continue to follow up on all reported cases of COVID 19 in Montgomery Township and their contacts, in order to slow the spread of the disease. As of Thursday, 58 positive cases of COVID-19 have occurred in total in Montgomery and 1,827 cases in Somerset County as of Wednesday.

Montgomery Township Health Officer Stephanie Carey said: “In these heartbreaking times, we know that every life is precious, and each person is treasured. It makes us, as public health workers, even more resolute that we must do all in our power to stop this virus from spreading.”

NJ cases: 71,030

NJ deaths: 3,156

Somerset County cases: 1,827

Somerset County deaths: 105

Somerset County (April 16)*

Montgomery: 58, 1 death

Rocky Hill: 5 Franklin: 570, 35 deaths  Hillsborough: 129, five deaths Somerville: 54  Bedminster: 25  Bernards: 127 Bernardsville: 36  Bound Brook: 90  Branchburg: 50  Bridgewater: 208  Far Hills: 2 Green Brook: 73  Manville: 63 Millstone: 2 North Plainfield: 161  Peapack-Gladstone: 24  Raritan: 39  South Bound Brook: 36  Warren: 68  Watchung: 48 

For the latest Somerset County COVID-19 cases, visit the NJ Public Health Somerset County COVID-19 Dashboard.

The Mental Health Association of New Jersey has opened a Mental Health HelpLine.  If you are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed due to COVID-19, call 877.294.HELP (4357) during normal business hours for emotional support, guidance and mental health referrals as needed. For mental health information and resources specific to Somerset County CLICK HERE.