2 Coronavirus Deaths In Bloomfield; ‘Nobody Immune,’ Mayor Says

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield has seen its first two deaths connected to the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19, authorities announced Tuesday.

The fatalities are the first such cases in the township, Bloomfield officials said.

As of Tuesday morning, 16 Bloomfield residents have been infected by COVID-19, according to town officials. A state of emergency was declared in the township last week.

• See related article: Comcast Worker With Coronavirus Was In Bloomfield, Officials Say

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families that have tragically lost their loved ones to this virus,” Mayor Michael Venezia said. “All residents should take the threat of this virus extremely seriously and follow all CDC guidelines such as washing your hands often and practicing social distancing if you absolutely must leave your home. Nobody is immune to this virus and the only way that we will flatten the curve is by staying home.”

As of Monday, New Jersey had 2,844 cases of COVID-19 and 27 deaths connected to the virus, a total that’s since grown. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

CORONAVIRUS IN ESSEX COUNTY

There have been other recent deaths linked to COVID-19 in Essex County.

On Monday night, Belleville officials announced the town has seen its first coronavirus fatality. There are 16 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 in Belleville, with test results pending for four other residents, authorities said.

• See related article: Belleville Sees First Coronavirus Death, 16 Other Confirmed Cases

On Monday, cable industry magazine Cablefax said that a Comcast employee in Fairfield has passed away after being diagnosed with coronavirus last week.

• See related article: Comcast Employee In Essex County Dies Of Coronavirus

Earlier this month, two people in Montclair died from the illness: a township resident and a resident of a long-term care facility. Both were inpatients at Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside hospital and had multiple chronic conditions, authorities said.

• See related article: 2 In Montclair Die Because Of Coronavirus

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com