At Least 2 Bergen County Residents Have Died Due To Coronavirus

BERGENFIELD – A Bergen County resident has died because of the new coronavirus, officials announced on Thursday.

Bergenfield officials announced that the current positive test results for COVID-19 in the town is now eight, and a borough resident has died because of the virus.

The resident was 52 years old and had been receiving intensive care treatment at a local hospital since testing positive last week. The resident passed away earlier Thursday, according to a Bergenfield release.

At least two residents of Bergen County have died from the coronavirus. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

The first person in Bergen County to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. His name was John Brennan, 69, a former harness racing trainer who worked for years at New York’s Yonkers Raceway, according to Time magazine. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor

"On behalf of the Borough Council and our entire community, I want to express our deepest sympathies to the family of the resident whose life was tragically taken by coronavirus,” said Mayor Arvin Amatorio.

“We are working closely with state and county government to implement actions designed to reduce the spread of the virus and we urge all residents to stay in their homes and practice social distancing.”

Of the eight positive tests, five are currently hospitalized and three are quarantined and recovering at home.

Bergenfield Health Department officials are working closely with county and state health officials investigating each incident for potential community spread and working to identify anyone who has come into contact recently with someone who recorded a positive test.

These residents will be required to self-quarantine to prevent further spreading of the virus, or to receive medical treatment and testing if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Bergenfield declared a state of emergency earlier this week and has been frequently updating residents through the borough website, reverse 911 and several other means.

Borough officials will continue to communicate important information to residents whenever possible. For the most up to date information, residents should visit bergenfield.com.

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Here's what else you should know:

• State health officials said they believe the virus is "community-spread" in New Jersey. "Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced he planned to shut down all schools on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
• Murphy also imposed new statewide restrictions on Monday, March 16, shutting restaurants, casinos, bars and gyms. He also discouraged non-essential travel in the evening, saying people should stay at home. Read more: NJ Coronavirus: Bars, Restaurants, Theaters To Shut
• The first person in New Jersey to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• State Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced on Saturday, March 14 that municipal court sessions will be suspended for two weeks, beginning Monday, March 16, to mitigate public exposure to COVID-19 coronavirus.
• The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it's closing its offices for two weeks. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus
• A new report from ProPublica says New Jersey hospitals would be hard pressed to meet demand – even in a best-case scenario – if the coronavirus outbreak surges. Read more: NJ Hospitals Lack Beds For Coronavirus Surge: Report
• Murphy said on Tuesday, March 17 that he's closing all indoor malls and amusement parks and centers. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Malls Closing Due To Coronavirus, 89 New Cases
• Four members of the same New Jersey family died from the coronavirus, according to March 19 reports. Read more: 4 In Same Family, Including 3 In NJ, Die Of Coronavirus: Reports
• Murphy issued an executive order on Thursday, March 19 to ensure voters can exercise their right to vote without risking their health and safety. Read more: Coronavirus Alters NJ Election Procedure, Moves Election Dates
• Murphy also announced that all personal care businesses –including salons, barbers, health clubs and tattoo parlors – will be ordered to close at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. Read more: Gov. Phil Murphy: NJ Barbers, Salons, Spas Must Close

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses. This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.