160+ Sickened By Heat, Shutting Down NJ Graduation Ceremony, State Of Emergency Declared, Reports Say

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A state of emergency has been declared by Paterson Mayor André Sayegh after the extreme heat wave sickened Paterson graduation ceremony attendees Monday, according to reports.

According to a report from NorthJersey.com, around 160 students and audience members needed medical assistance during the ceremony, with 16 people requiring hospitalization.

Two Paterson graduation ceremonies were scheduled to be held on Monday at Hinchliffe Stadium, with International High School and John F. Kennedy High School seniors walking the stage from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Paterson Fire Department Deputy Chief Jason Macones told NJ.com that 50 people were treated for heat-related illnesses during the morning ceremony, with nine people transported to the hospital.

Despite the health issues in the morning, the second ceremony commenced at 12:30 p.m., set to feature seniors from Eastside High School, P-TECH High School, Rosa L. Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts, STARS Academy/STARS T.I.E.S. Program, and STEAM High School. According to NorthJersey.com, the second ceremony was cut short after about an hour, with around 100 people seeking medical attention for heat exhaustion.

In a statement to NorthJersey.com, Paterson School District Superintendent Laurie Newell said, “in anticipation of high temperatures, the district implemented numerous precautionary measures to help keep everyone safe. These included on-site EMTs, multiple cooling stations, cold bottled water, shaded areas, wet paper towels, ice, and large industrial fans to provide airflow.”

The report from NorthJersey.com added that while the students and guests were sitting in the sun, school officials, including BOE members, were seated under tents.

Additionally, Sayegh said that he suggested to school officials that the graduation ceremonies be moved indoors, according to the report.

Temperatures were nearing 100 degrees in Paterson yesterday afternoon, according to weather experts.

As a result of the "mass casualty event," Paterson officials have taken proactive measures until the heat wave ceases, which should be Wednesday night according to the National Weather Service.

“Due to the extreme heat, I declared a state of emergency yesterday in our city,” Sayegh said in a social media post Tuesday morning. “All recreational activities are canceled until further notice.”

Temporary cooling stations are set up in Paterson libraries— The Main Library at 250 Broadway and Northside Library at 60 Temple Street. Both are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., “offering air-conditioned relief and water,” according to the Paterson Police Department.