Summit Man, 45, Dies From COVID; Report Includes Vax Status

SUMMIT, NJ — Even with a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel — event as coronavirus cases start to decline in New Jersey as vaccinations rise — people are still being exposed to the virus and passing away from it.

The city of Summit lost its 25th resident to coronavirus this week, according to a weekly case update released on Friday. Nearby Westfield reported a similar situation Tuesday.

For the first time, Summit's weekly release included the vaccination status of the person who passed away. "The deceased is a 45-year-old white, non-Hispanic male with pre-existing health conditions," said the message from the city. "They were not vaccinated."

While new cases are on the decline, the virus still remains a factor statewide. There are 1,382 people in New Jersey hospitalized with the virus, 196 on ventilators. There were 32 resident fatalities confirmed from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Studies have shown that the vaccine is at least 95 percent effective against the virus, and among those who still get it, it will reduce the chance of hospitalization and death. (See information on where to get a vaccine below.)

The Westfield Regional Health Department, which oversees several area towns including Summit, said there were 12 positive, confirmed COVID-19 cases from May 1 to May 6 (Thursday).

Cases are on the decline in Summit; in fact, this week, the city said that there were 136 total new cases in April, which is a 37 percent decrease from March. Also, 76 percent of the adult population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 51 percent are fully vaccinated. READ MORE: Summit COVID Cases Declining; More Adults Vaccinated

Almost exactly a year ago, on April 30, New Jersey suffered through its worst day of the coronavirus crisis — 460 residents died of the virus in 24 hours, or one every three minutes. People were scrambling for protective equipment, and hospitals didn't have enough ventilators and tests. READ MORE: 'I Cannot Get Air': Union County Woman Begged For Test

A year later, 3.6 million New Jerseyans have been vaccinated.

Age breakdowns of reported cases for the past week in Summit are as follows:

· Five cases ages 18 and younger;

· One case ages 19 to 24;

· One case ages 25 to 29;

· One case ages 30 to 34;

· One case ages 35 to 39;

· One case ages 45 to 49;

· One case ages 50 to 54; and

· One case ages 60 to 64.

Since March 2020, there have been 1,759 total cases and 25 COVID-19-related fatalities in Summit. Total case numbers are updated and adjusted weekly following contact tracing interviews.

All six New Jersey vaccination mega sites are now accepting walk in appointments.

The Summit Community Center vaccination site is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. when vaccine supplies are available. No walk-ins are accepted. Eligible people can register to receive a vaccination appointment alert at https://www.atlantichealth.org. Summit senior citizens and other residents without internet access may call the Department of Community Services at 908-277-2932 for assistance with signing up for a vaccination alert notification.

Find out where else to get vaccinated and information on the types of vaccines here: where to get vaccinated in Union County.

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