Wayne Coronavirus Totals For Wednesday: 600​ Cases, 34 Deaths

WAYNE, NJ — The number of people diagnosed with the new coronavirus in Wayne Township has reached 600, township mayor Christopher Vergano said Wednesday in a news conference. A total of 34 people have now died from the virus.

The New Jersey Department of Health announced 17 new positive tests in Wayne Township on Wednesday. Vergano said the average age of a newly-diagnosed person is 50-years-old, and new patients range in age from 13- to 86-years-old.

Of the newly-diagnosed cases, 10 are men and 7 are women, the mayor said. A total of 10 residents are recovering in local hospitals, others are recovering at home and some have already recovered.

Vergano said an additional nine deaths were reported to the township by the department of health on Wednesday. The details on those deaths are as follows:

• 83, male, died April 10
• 74, male, died April 10
• 73, male, died April 11
• 68, female, died April 12
• 91, male, died April 12
• 88, female, died April 12
• 69 male, died April 12
• 90, male, died April 13
• 90, male, died April 13

In the news conference, Vergano expressed is condolences to the family of retired NJ State Trooper Detective Sergeant First Class Rick Vanderclock, father of Wayne police officer Rick Vanderclock.

The former, Vergano said, is a longtime Wayne resident who died from complications of COVID-19.

The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive in Wayne next month. Vergano said those hoping to donate blood must first pre-register online using the sponsor name "WayneYMCA" as the keyword.

Testing continues drive-thru COVID-19 testing this Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at William Patterson University in Patterson. To be tested, one must have a doctor's prescription and be a Passaic County resident.

The drive-thru testing site is seeking volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering should send an email to volunteers@passaiccountynj.org.

Vergano said Q2 taxes are still due May 1, but the interest and penalties will be waived until Friday, June 12 for those unable to make their payment on time. That's only for accounts owing $10,000 or less, he said.

Wayne Hills High School freshman Noah Sadler created a music video thanking Wayne Township's first responders for their work during the coronavirus pandemic. Watch it below.

How the Virus 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