BRIDGEWATER - On Sunday, the township Health Officer Kevin Sumner confirmed the first death related to COVID-19 in the township.

According to the Somerset County Board of Health website, there have been two coronavirus-related deaths in the county.

"I have learned that one of our residents has passed away due to complications associated with the COVID-19 virus," said Mayor Matthew Moench in a release. "I would like to pass my condolences along to the family and friends at this difficult time. My family, and the entire Bridgewater family, will be praying for you."

Sumner said the Heath Department is investigating all reported cases of COVID-19 in the township.

"Our goal remains the same, to slow and eventually stop the spread of this disease," Sumner said.

The mayor stressed that the public needs to adhere to guidelines set for by the state, CDC and medical professionals.

"We must treat all of our neighbors like family now," Moench said. "Everyone has a role to play. Practice the guidelines placed by our public health professionals so that we can avoid any further tragedies. I have seen the way this community has pulled together in the past and I am confident that we will come out from this crisis stronger and more close knit than ever."

READ:Coronavirus: 6 new cases in Somerset, 3 in Hunterdon on Saturday

"We ask the public to help us in this effort by following the public health recommendations such as social distancing and hand washing," Sumner added.

For questions about COVID-19, go to www.cdc.gov or www.Coronavirus.gov, in the state of New Jersey: dial 211 or 1-800-962-1253/text: NJCOVID to 898-211 or text: your zip code to 898-211 for live text assistance. Go to www.nj.gov/health/. In Somerset County, call 908-231-7111 to listen to daily county updates and in the township, call 908-429-8444 or Email: Coronavirus@BridgewaterNJ.gov for Bridgewater specific questions.

email: cmakin@gannettnj.com

Cheryl Makin is a features reporter for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her award-winning work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.