Fair Lawn, Saddle Brook Coronavirus: Monday's Updates

FAIR LAWN-SADDLE BROOK, NJ — New Jersey now has more than 37,000 cases of the new coronavirus, and 917 people have died as of Monday in the Garden State.

On Sunday, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams urged Americans to brace for “the hardest and saddest week of most Americans’ lives” as cases of the virus continue to climb.

In light of Adams' announcement, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco asked residents to do their part in slowing the spread of the virus.

"Each day it becomes increasingly important that we follow CDC guidelines, take action to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a cloth face covering in public spaces, keeping at least 6 feet of physical distance, and frequently washing your hands," Tedesco wrote on his Facebook page. "I cannot stress it enough, STAY HOME unless absolutely necessary – i.e. for basic necessities or medical treatment. It is each of our responsibilities to keep those on the front lines and essential workers safe by staying home."

The governor has declared a "stay-at-home" order for the entire state. All non-life-sustaining businesses in New Jersey have been closed.

Here are the latest local updates from Fair Lawn and Saddle Brook:

CASES:

• As of Monday morning, Fair Lawn had 191 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and Saddle Brook had 79.
• NJDOH reports 189 people have died from the virus in Bergen County

BUSINESSES:

• We asked local businesses to update their status and created a handy guide from their responses. Here's a look at what's open and closed in Fair Lawn and Saddle Brook.

HOSPITALS AND TESTING:

• Bergen County now offers drive-thru testing for Bergen County residents with coronavirus symptoms and a prescription from a doctor at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus.
• Passaic County also offers drive-thru testing at William Paterson University.
• Hackensack Meridian offers COVID19 testing at its nine urgent care centers in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
• Immediate care of Marlboro is offering a drive-thru COVID19 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 & 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.

MAKING DONATIONS:

Bergen County is taking donations of personal protective equipment. Donations can be made:

• Bergen County Annex Building
  • 220 East Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus
  • Located behind Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, off of Pascack Road/Ridgewood Avenue
  • Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Here's what else you should know:

• State health officials said they believe the virus is "community-spread" in New Jersey. "Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order, closing all non-essential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced that all schools would close on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• Murphy said during a live press conference on Wednesday, March 25 that he's ordering many day care centers to shut amid the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: Gov. Murphy To Shut Many Day Care Centers Amid Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy also has announced the launch of a new online portal to connect New Jersey residents with jobs in critical industries responding to COVID-19. Read more: Companies ARE Hiring: NJ Launches Online Job Portal
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory for New Jersey. Read more: CDC Travel Advisory For NJ: No Coronavirus Travel Ban From Trump
• Murphy has emphasized the need to wear a mask or face covering when going out in public. Read more: Wear A Mask! 4 Things NJ Wants You To Do In Coronavirus Outbreak
• Local police also have been cracking down on gatherings of people in certain towns. Read more: Police Identify Rumson Man Who They Say Hosted Pink Floyd Party
• New Jersey residents are expected to start receiving stimulus payments soon. Here's what you need to do beforehand. Read more: Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Payments: What You Need To Do In NJ
• On Friday, March 27, Murphy allowed more types of NJ businesses – including gun sellers – to operate in the coronavirus outbreak. What's open and closed now? Read more: What's Open, Closed? More NJ Business To Operate Amid Coronavirus

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.

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.