Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 3/24/2020

COVID-19 Update 3/24

Coronavirus Positive Tests in Oakland:

Today the Borough of Oakland was notified by the Bergen County Health Department that there are a total of 5 individuals in Oakland who tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Bergen County Health Department is no longer providing towns with patient details such as gender and age so we are not able to provide that information to the community.

The Bergen County Health Department is the lead agency for investigation of cases involving a positive COVID-19 person, including all close contacts. If it is determined that a resident is in close contact with someone infected with COVID-19, the Bergen County Health Department will reach out. Close contact is considered being within a 6-foot radius of the person for a minimum duration of 10 minutes. People who are outside of this are not considered a close contact. It is important for everyone to monitor their health and consult a primary care physician if exhibiting symptoms.

If anyone has questions about COVID-19, you can call the 24-hour New Jersey Hotline at (800) 222-1222. You can also visit the State of NJ Coronavirus Website Here.   

Updates will be provided as they become available.

HELP US HELP YOU: A Message from the Oakland First Aid Squad:

  • The Oakland First Aid Squad does not perform flu or COVID-19 testing.
  • Being brought to the hospital via ambulance does not guarantee that you will arrive at the hospital quicker, and it does not guarantee that you will be seen more quickly at the Hospital. Treatment order is determined by need; the most critically ill will receive care first.
  • If you have fever, cough, chills, mildness shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, runny nose, or around someone exhibiting these symptoms, contact your doctor for medical advice. If your doctor recommends that you be evaluated in the hospital, first attempt to have a family member drive you. Care for these complaints cannot be provided by EMS.
  • ONLY call 9-1-1 for life threatening emergencies. Examples include chest pain, allergic reactions, suspected stroke, significant difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, seizures, serious burns, uncontrollable bleeding, serious accidents, and overdose/poisonings.
  • If you call 9-1-1, you will be asked screening questions. Please answer ALL screening questions truthfully. This will ensure EMS take necessary precautions.
  • Introduction of EMS crews and members of the Police Department into your home will inherently disrupt your effort to self-quarantine/self-isolate/socially distance yourself. Please take this risk seriously.
  • Due to national shortages, we are quickly running out of medical supplies and are IN NEED of donations for:
    • N95 masks
    • PAPR and CAPR systems
    • Surgical/procedure masks
    • Goggles
    • Nitrile gloves
    • Fluid resistant gowns
    • Tyvek suits
  • If you are a dentist or other medical professional whose office has closed, please consider donating a portion of your supplies to help your neighbors. Supplies can be dropped off at the Oakland First Aid Squad 24 hours a day. Arrangements can be made for pickup. You will be provided with a donation letter and recognition.
  • Please contact Matthew Goodrich at OFASchief@gmail.com or (973) 296-3684.

Recreation Spring Programs Update:

Support Oakland Local Business:

  • The Borough of Oakland has created a new page on the website which allows Oakland businesses to post their contact info, offerings and the steps people can take to help them the most at this time. We hope that you will help us share this and help keep our amazing local business community strong during this time.
  • The Support Oakland Restaurants Graphic can be seen here and is updated daily based on changing hours and offerings.  #StandwithOakland

If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness but cannot afford to see a doctor:

  • Contact your nearest federally qualified health center (FQHC). These are federally funded clinics and see anyone and payment is determined by income/sliding scale. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, call the nearest FQHC to inquire about appointments and fees. COVID-19 testing is free of charge, regardless if you have insurance or not. https://www.njpca.org/current-members. 

Rumor Control:

  • The FEMA rumor control website distinguishes between rumors and facts regarding the response to COVID-19. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis, stay informed with updated information related to the federal response. https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control.

Mental Health Services:

  • For those feeling stressed, the NJ Department of Human Services operates a toll free “warm line” which is a resource for people seeking mental health service. The warm line is activated during events that impact the mental health of New Jersey residents. The warm line is available 24 hours and has language access; (877) 294-HELP (4357). NOTE: The “warm line” does not replace 911 and is not used to report emergencies. Mental Health Hotline: 866-202-4357 NJ Hope Line (Peer Support & Suicide Prevention Hotline): 1-855-654-6735.

Bergen County Testing Center:

Update from Verizon:

  • Verizon will waive overage charges and late fees to support customers who may be financially affected by the COVID-19 crisis
  • Two months waived internet and voice service charges for current Lifeline customers and new affordable internet option for low-income households
  • Adds 15GB of high-speed data for wireless consumer and small business customers to be automatically applied with no customer action necessary
  • Click here for more information