Wayne Township Coronavirus: 709 Cases, 46 Deaths As Of Tuesday

WAYNE, NJ — Wayne Township Mayor Christopher Vergano began his daily coronavirus briefing on a congratulatory note. He, along with the township's 54,711 residents, wished Celeste Gardner a happy birthday. She turned 103-years-old on Tuesday.

In the news conference, Vergano announced the township is postponing its annual Memorial Day parade this year, choosing instead to hold it on Labor Day.

"In addition to honoring our veterans, we’ll also be honoring our front line workers and others who, due to the nature of their jobs, worked very hard during this crisis," he said.

Vergano said the township will hold its wreath-laying ceremony at town hall on Memorial Day. The event will be broadcast to residents in an effort to continue social distancing.

Cases and Deaths:

Cases of the new coronavirus continue to grow in Wayne, he said. On Tuesday, the township announced 19 more people have tested positive for the virus, and three more people have died from COVID-19.

The township has now seen a total of 709 positive tests for the virus, and a total of 46 people have died.

Of the new cases, 14 are men and five are women, he said. The average age of new patients is 70-years-old, and the patients range in age from 32- to 94-years-old.

Vergano did not share specific details about those who have died of the virus.

Donations and Volunteering:

• CASA of Passaic County is selling yard signs emblazoned with the phrase "Thank you to all the heroes among us." They can be purchased at passaiccountycasa.org.
• 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.
• 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:

On Thursday, 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