Wayne Township Coronavirus: 29 New Cases, 3 More Deaths Thursday

WAYNE, NJ — On Thursday afternoon, Wayne Township Mayor Christopher Vergano announced 29 more people have tested positive for the new coronavirus in the township, bringing the total number of positive cases to 629.

The New Jersey Department of Health also announced three more people have died of COVID-19 in the township, bringing the total number of deaths to 29.

The newly-diagnosed people range in ages from 36- to 90-years-old, Vergano said. Of those people, 13 are men and 16 are women. The average age is 62.

The details on the newly announced deaths are as follows:

• Female, 69, died April 6
• Female, 77, died March 26
• Male, 71 died April 13

"The numbers are coming down slightly because we’re doing the right things," Vergano said. Still, he reminded residents to continue practicing social distancing when going out and about.

“This is the new norm," he said.

Testing:

Drive-thru testing will continue Friday and Saturday at William Paterson University. Testing is provided from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for Passaic County residents with a prescription from a doctor. The testing facility is closed on Sunday.

Donations and Volunteering:

• The drive-thru Passaic County testing facility at William Paterson University is in need of volunteers to complete a variety of duties. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to email volunteers@passaiccountynj.org.
• Anyone hoping to make donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) is asked to email Vergano at mayor@waynetownship.com
• Residents can also help out by making a monetary donation to the WIN Food Pantry. Checks can be made out to the WIN Food Pantry and sent to PO Box 3341, Wayne.
• 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.
• Donations can also be made to Flag of Greater Wayne through Venmo (@Flagofgreaterwayne) or Zelle at flagofgreaterwayne@gmail.com, or by mailing a check made out to Flag of Greater Wayne to the Mayors Office, 475 Valley Road, Wayne.

Taxes:

Vergano said quarterly 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.

Acts of Kindness:

Vergano reminded Wayne Township residents to extend gestures of thanks to essential workers.

“If you’re out and about, and you see someone who is still working and providing a necessary service for all of us — that could include the gentleman who picking up your recyclables to the store clerk that’s checking you out or stocking the shelves — it might be a nice idea to, from six feet away, say thank you for what you’re doing,” he said.

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