COVID-19 has taken more than 23,000 lives since its first appearance in the United States on March 3rd of 2020. There have been more than 580,000 cases in the United States with New Jersey being the second state with the most cases. New Jersey has 61,850 recorded cases, 92 have since recovered and over 2,350 have died from this virus. 

In Passaic County alone there have been 5,590 cases with 131 deaths. There have been no recorded recoveries in the county as of Monday, April 13th. 

In Wayne, there have been 554 recorded cases of the coronavirus and 21 deaths. A drive-thru testing center is being held at William Paterson in Wayne for any Passaic County resident. You must have a prescription from a doctor in order to get tested. 

“If you are out and about, and you see someone near you, the best thing to do is to assume they have the virus and make sure you’re taking necessary precautions,” said Wayne Mayor Scott Vergano.

Governor Cuomo of New York stated “the worst is over” after the estimated peak of the virus had passed. Scientists and health officials expected the worst of the Coronavirus to pass for the tri-state area by Easter weekend. 

Governor  Phil Murphy also announced that professionals have confirmed that the curve is flattening. From Sunday to Monday the percentage increase in positive cases was four percent, the lowest it’s been since the first case.

“While the curve is undeniably now flattening, it is still rising. We have got to hit that plateau and then aggressively bring it down,” stated Governor Murphy.

The CDC reminds people the most effective way to stay safe from the virus is to 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, and of course 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.