Authorities say the cluster of approximately 20 COVID-19 cases are connected through a party on West Front Street in Middletown on July 11.
[Ads /]
"If you think your child may have attended such a party or participates in sports or any other group activity that may have included anyone potentially exposed, please ask them to self-quarantine for 14 days to monitor for signs and symptoms," the Middletown health department said in a statement. "If they become ill, they should self-isolate and contact your family physician. We encourage you to have your child tested for COVID-19."
At least 20 COVID cases linked to house party in New Jersey
Related: Hundreds gather, crowd Queens streets without masks
All of the new cases are teens between the ages of 15 and 19, and Middletown health officials say they are running into resistance while trying to track the cases.
"We're asking and pleading with parents and the students that may have attended that," Middletown Mayor Tony Perry said. "You're not in any trouble, but we want to break the back of this infection. And if we can get that contact information and get some details, we are then able to contact those who may have been exposed to the coronavirus."
Officials are also urging parents who host gatherings to do so in a responsible manner.
Related: 'I will not sacrifice myself,' says teacher fed up with back-to-school debate
Anyone with questions or concerns is urged to contact the health department at 732-615-2000 x2165 or email questions to covid19@middletownnj.org. You can also visit covid19.nj.gov for additional information and resources.
WATCH THE SERIES: EYEWITNESS TO A PANDEMIC (Episode 6 below)
Eyewitness to a Pandemic: Episode 6 - To the Streets
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE
abc7NY Phase Tracker:
[Ads /]
COVID-19 Help, Information. Stimulus and Business Updates
UPDATES
New York City
New Jersey
Long Island
Westchester and Hudson Valley
Connecticut
7 On Your Side Investigates: Up to 4,000 coronavirus cases prevented by NYC contact tracers
Up to 4,000 COVID cases prevented by NYC contact tracers: officials
[Ads /]
REOPENING INFORMATION
What's Open, What's Closed
Reopening New York State
Reopening New Jersey
Reopening Connecticut
Total count of NYC, Long Island COVID-19 cases based on patient address