Lyndhurst has 23 positive COVID-19 cases as of March 26, OEM says

From the Lyndhurst Office of Emergency Management and Mayor Robert B. Giangeruso:

As we continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene as a community, it is important to understand the value of staying home unless absolutely necessary.

As Gov. Philip D. Murphy stated previously, it is important to take advantage of nice weather for passive recreation (exercise), as it is not only good for the physical value, but also for the mental value. Together we will flatten the curve.

As expected, the total positive COVID-19 cases within the Township of Lyndhurst is now at 23 as of 5 p.m., Thursday, March 26. Of these cases, our first responders were only called to assist two residents. Due to privacy laws, we are prohibited from sharing the geographic areas of these cases within the township.

Rest assured, our county and local health officials are conducting investigations to track the origins of these cases.

We expect the number to climb with the state numbers until we finally reach the peak in the county and state. As of 8 a.m., March 26, there have been 81 deaths in the state of New Jersey ranging in age from 30 to 98.

The 30-year-old patient was a Bergen County resident.

The total number of Bergen County deaths is at 18.

As testing has become more available, approximately 36% of all tests have come back positive for COVID-19. This is why we are strongly advising people to continue to comply with Gov. Murphy’s “Stay at Home” order.

We are encouraging any residents with N-95 masks, non-N-95 masks, disposable gloves and disposable gowns to contact the Township Office of Emergency Management if interested in donating them. We have had several generous donations from residents and businesses; however we will continue to accept all donations. If you are willing to donate, call  (201) 939-2900, ext. 2603 or email specialoperations@lyndhurstpolice.com.

County Executive Jim Tedesco has announced that all county parks will be closed to vehicular traffic this weekend. Walking and passive recreation is permissible.

FEMA declared New Jersey a disaster area late last Wednesday night, and they will be opening a field hospital at the Meadowlands Convention Center in Secaucus.

The governor has announced all schools will remain closed through at least Friday, April 17. There will be a review prior to that date to determine if schools should open or continue to remain closed for an extended period.

We will continue to send updates, as this situation is dynamic and constantly evolving.

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Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, a place where he has served on and off since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on Facebook Live, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to West Hudson to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.