Bergen Coronavirus Totals Monday: ​13,011 Cases, 787 Deaths

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — The total number of cases of the new coronavirus in Bergen County has risen to 13,011, the New Jersey Department of Health reported Monday. Also as of Monday, 787 people have died from the virus, according to the department.

The number of cases in the county continues to climb. Between Sunday and Monday, 317 new cases of the virus and 20 more deaths were reported, according to state data.

The Department of Health on Monday also reported 56 long-term care facilities in Bergen County have reported cases of the new coronavirus. According to state data, a total of 2,197 long-term care facility residents have tested positive for the virus across the county, and 431 residents have died.

SCHOOLS:

Gov. Phil Murphy has mandated that schools remain closed through May 15.

"There is no one who wants to reopen schools more than I do," he said, adding: "We cannot be guided by emotion. We have to be guided by the facts on the ground." Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Schools Shut Through May 15 In Coronavirus Crisis

BUSINESSES:

• Murphy issued a state-at-home order and closed non-essential businesses earlier in March. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• Viewing real estate with a realtor is considered an essential retail business. Realtors are permitted to meet with individuals or families. Open houses are not permitted.
• Car dealers are permitted to sell vehicles online or via remote sales as consistent with current law. Cars can be delivered to a buyer or picked up curbside at the dealership.
• Firearms retailers are permitted to operate by appointment only, and only during limited hours. The NCIS background check system is still up and running to purchase firearms purchases.
• Golf courses and private golf clubs must remain closed to the public.

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

HOSPITALS AND TESTING:

• Bergen County now offers drive-thru testing for Bergen County residents, county employees, first responders and health care workers with coronavirus symptoms and a doctor's prescription.
• Another drive-through testing site at Bergen Community College offers 500 tests per day on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday starting at 8 a.m. To be tested, individuals have to be a New Jersey resident with symptoms of COVID-19. Priority is given to those with a cough, shortness of breath or a fever over 99.6 degrees.
• Passaic County also offers drive-thru testing.
• Hackensack Meridian offers COVID-19 testing at its nine urgent care centers in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
• Immediate care of Marlboro is offering a drive-thru COVID-19 test in the Marlboro Medical Arts site located at 479 Rt 520 in Marlboro. Testing is by appointment only at (855) 925-5467 ext 0.
• The PNC Bank Arts Center is a regional FEMA drive-thru test location and is open for testing every other day from 8 a.m. to 4pm for up to 500 persons per day. Click here for PNC Arts Test Center info and schedule.
• On every Saturday, the PNC Bank Arts Center site will be dedicated to symptomatic health care workers and first responders -- police, fire, and EMS -- with valid credentials only. The general public will not be able to access this site on Saturdays.
• Central Jersey Urgent Care is testing up to 80 patients daily at Eatontown, Howell and Marlboro.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about the new coronavirus. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

HOW IT 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.

Gov. Phil Murphy issued a new order requiring customers and employees wear face masks while inside essential businesses. The CDC recommends that every American wear a face mask while in public.

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.

COPING WITH COVID-19 STRESS:

• From the New Jersey Department of Health:
• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news/social media
• Take deep breaths, stretch, meditate
• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly
• Get plenty of sleep; avoid alcohol/ drugs
• Do things you enjoy like baking or walking the dog
• Talk with people you trust about how you are feeling.
• Get the facts at nj.gov/health