Bergen County Coronavirus: 9,784 Cases, 453 Deaths As Of Monday

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — In Bergen County 9,784 people have tested positive for the new coronavirus, and 453 people have died, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

"We continue to grieve as a community for the precious lives lost to this deadly pandemic. Please keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time," Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco said in a Facebook post.

Tedesco said the county's Office of Emergency Management has bought personal protective equipment for facilities across the county and is coordinating with each municipality in the county to ensure it receives needed items.

In a news conference last week, Tedesco said the county has secured 500,000 gloves, 10,000 eye goggles, 3,000 face shields, over 200,000 masks and thousands of gallons of disinfectant at a cost of over $3.5 million. The county also secured more ventilators, five of which were delivered last Monday.

"In addition, we are grateful for the generous donations from organizations, companies and individuals across Bergen County," Tedesco wrote in a Facebook post. "These supplies will be distributed in the coming days to those health professionals, first responders, and others who are on the front lines."

Donations are accepted at:

• 220 East Ridgewood Avenue
  • Paramus, New Jersey
  • Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm
  • Questions about PPE donations can be sent to PPEdonations@co.bergen.nj.us.

Testing:

The COVID-19 testing site at Bergen New Bridge Medical center (230 East Ridgewood Avenue in Paramus) is by appointment only.

The New Bridge testing center is open to all Bergen County residents who are symptomatic of COVID-19. As of Friday, it also provides testing for first responders, health care professionals and Bergen County employees, regardless of their home addresses, as long as they can provide a qualifying photo ID.

The New Bridge testing site is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 7 days a week. People wishing to be tested must have referral from a doctor.

Another testing site is open at Bergen Community College, Paramus campus.

This drive-thru site offers testing testing for New Jersey residents who are showing symptoms of COVID-19. Priority is given to symptomatic individuals with a cough, fever (99.6F or above) and shortness of breath.

The site opens at 8 a.m. and closes when 500 tests have been completed. It is open on the following days in April:

• Tuesday, April 14
• Thursday, April 16
• Friday, April 17
• Sunday, April 19
• Tuesday, April 21
• Thursday, April 23
• Friday, April 24
• Sunday, April 26
• Tuesday, April 28
• Thursday, April 30

Click here for more information about coronavirus testing in Bergen County.

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.