Ridgewood, Glen Rock Coronavirus Updates: What You Need To Know

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The coronavirus outbreak continues to have an impact on communities in New Jersey and across the nation. Ridgewood and Glen Rock are no exception, as many businesses and schools remain closed.

Here are the latest updates from Ridgewood and Glen Rock:

Cases:

• As of 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, Bergen County has 18,023 positive cases of the coronavirus. 1,547 have died.
• 63 long-term care facilities in Bergen County have reported outbreaks. Resident cases have risen to 3,033 and staff cases have risen to 1,480. Resident deaths have risen to 897, but staff deaths have remained at 10.
• Glen Rock has reported 115 cases as of Tuesday, May 26, one less than last week's total.
• Ridgewood has reported 297 cases as of Tuesday, May 26.

Parks:

• The Glen Rock Section of the Saddle River County Park is open for passive recreation, according to a release from the town.
• Ridgewood parks are also open, per Gov. Phil Murphy’s recent executive order.

Schools:

• Ridgewood High School planned a socially distanced graduation, then, had to cancel that graduation. The school says they are currently planning for what they will do. Read more: Ridgewood High School Plans Socially Distanced Graduation and Ridgewood High School Cancels Socially Distanced Graduation
• Ridgewood High School Alumni Association members hung banners around town for the graduating class of seniors. Read more: Ridgewood High School Alumni Association Honors 2020 Seniors

Personal Stories:

• In what is part of a national trend, Ridgewood High joins more than 35 schools in Bergen County honoring 2020 seniors by illuminating fields. Read more: Ridgewood High To Participate In #BeTheLight Campaign
• Racefaster, a running apparel and footwear brand and storefront, shares their journey through the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more: Ridgewood's Racefaster Making The Most Of Business Slowdown

Assistance:

• An extension on the tax grace period has been issued until June 1, following an executive order from Gov. Murphy.

Tributes:

• Patch has begun collecting stories of the heroes in your community that are making a difference in these uncertain times. Consider sharing a story about the people in your life making a difference. Read more: Ridgewood-Glen Rock Heroes: Recognize Those Making A Difference

Businesses:

• We put out a call to local businesses hoping to update our readers on their status. You can find the local guide here.

Hospitals and Testing:

• Bergen County now offers drive-thru testing at Bergen Community College for any New Jersey resident with coronavirus symptoms of COVID-19. Tests are given first come, first serve from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
• Passaic County also offers drive-thru testing.
• Hackensack Meridian offers COVID-19 testing at its nine urgent care centers in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
• Immediate care of Marlboro is offering a drive-thru COVID-19 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 and 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.
• Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is now offering saliva tests for COVID-19 patients. Read more: Bergen New Bridge Medical Center To Offer COVID-19 Saliva Tests

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.