In the late afternoon on Monday, May 4, Southern Ocean Medical Center staff gathered in the main lobby of the hospital for a milestone occasion: the discharge of the 100th COVID-19-positive patient. As with the release of previous inpatients, the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” filled the hallways, and team members applauded as Natalie Alexander, 81, of Manahawkin prepared to return home.

(Photo by Ryan Morrill)

As SOMC noted, “Every recovering patient who leaves the hospital is truly a cause for celebration,” and the hospital…