Gottheimer, Pascrell Visit Paramus Veterans Home

PARAMUS, NJ — Congressmen Josh Gottheimer and Bill Pascrell visited the Paramus Veterans Home on Wednesday, May 20 to honor the veterans living there, and those who have died in the home's COVID-19 outbreak.

According to a release from Gottheimer's office, the duo, who have been critical of the facility's handling of an outbreak of the coronavirus, were there to hear the nightly playing of "Taps", performed by Oradell Boy Scout Alex Saldana of Troop 36.

As of Wednesday, May 20, 79 residents of the veterans home have died from the coronavirus according to the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Of the 202 current residents, there are 58 current positive COVID-19 cases, and 65 test results are still pending.

In total, there have been 193 confirmed cases, according to the DMAVA.

Gottheimer and Pascrell have been vocal about the need for more transparency at the home, and pushed for doctors and infectious disease experts from hospitals across North Jersey to consult with the home.

"The health crisis taking place at this facility has been devastating, heartbreaking, and utterly unacceptable. The loss of life here is an unspeakable tragedy for the North Jersey community," said Gottheimer in a statement from April.

"We need to figure out what the hell went wrong in Paramus," said Pascrell.