Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 5/11/2020

From Mayor Linda H. Schwager
Coronavirus Update 5-11-2020

Coronavirus Positive Tests in Oakland:

Today the Borough of Oakland was notified by the Bergen County Health Department that there are a total of 214 individuals in Oakland who tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Bergen County has a total of 16,959 positive Coronavirus Cases, and the State of NJ has 139,945 positive cases.

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.

Governor Prohibits School Graduation Ceremonies & Drive-by Parades:

Governor Murphy has issued updated guidance to clarify that in-person graduation ceremonies are not permitted under Governor Murphy’s executive orders which prohibit all gatherings. Similarly, the administration has advised that all “drive by” parades are a violation of the governor’s orders. Many schools, classes, and first responder units have participated in these morale boosting events to show support for their friends and communities during the lockdown.

New Bridge Medical Center COVID-19 Testing:

The Bergen New Bridge Medical Center drive thru site started saliva testing. They will keep nasal swabs in reserve, but all testing will primarily be saliva testing from now on. They are now also offering antibody testing (finger prick blood test). Please follow the link for information: https://www.newbridgehealth.org/bergen-covid19-screening. This is for Bergen County first responders, Bergen County hospital employees, Bergen County residents, and employees of either the County or a local municipality. They will test both symptomatic and asymptomatic people for both saliva and antibody testing. You still must register through the telehealth portal and get an appointment for either test. Saliva testing will be done at the drive thru site and antibody testing will be done inside the hospital.

Plasma Collection Sites:

Two new convalescent plasma collection sites in northern New Jersey are opening today at the American Red Cross blood center in Fairfield and University Hospital in Newark today. The Red Cross is seeking people who are fully recovered from the new coronavirus to sign up to donate plasma to help current COVID-19 patients. People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus. This convalescent plasma is being evaluated as treatment for patients with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections, or those judged by a healthcare provider to be at high risk of progression to severe or life-threatening disease.  If you have fully recovered from COVID-19, click here to donate.

Important Resources:

  • The latest data on coronavirus infections in New Jersey are available on the New Jersey COVID-19 Dashboard. The dashboard has been updated to provide more information on scope of the virus and hospitalizations, including the number of patients hospitalized, discharged, in critical care, in intensive care, and on ventilators, along with data on statewide ventilator capacity, numbers of positive/negative tests, and more.
  • New Jersey’s COVID-19 Information Hub includes valuable resources and information for families, workers, and employers who have questions or needs arising from the current crisis.
  • Testing Sites: There are currently 57 COVID-19 testing sites across the state, including State-sponsored and private facilities. To locate a testing location, specifics on how to get a test, and the hours of operation, click here.
  • Information for businesses impacted by COVID-19.