16 In Wayne Died From COVID In January, Cases Down From December

WAYNE, NJ — Sixteen people in Wayne died from COVID-19 in January, according to Mayor Christopher P. Vergano. But the township saw fewer cases than the month before.

In his monthly COVID-19 video update (watch below), Vergano reported 1,674 new cases in the township for January. Wayne had 2,138 new cases in December.

Vergano also reported Wayne cases and deaths at Jan. 19's Township Council meeting. Four people in the township have died from the virus since then — men ages 54 and 91 and women ages 76 and 98.

"Of course, our condolences go out to their families," Vergano said.

Wayne has reported 232 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic began. Eighty-five percent occurred in the township's 12 nursing homes and longterm-care facilities, Vergano said.

While the township has seen a reduction in cases, it's still a long way from its numbers from before the omicron-variant wave — similar to New Jersey as a whole. The township reported the following case totals in prior months:

• June: 13
• July: 148
• August: 163
• September: 294
• October: 143
• November: 248

Passaic County hit a pandemic high of 2,349 new cases Jan. 7, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. The county averaged 254.5 new cases per day in the past week, the state health agency reported.

Vergano suggested several ways in which Wayne residents can get tested or vaccinated against COVID-19. All Wayne residents can get free testing, with appointments, at the former Macy's at 1210 Hamburg Tpke from 1-6 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Click here to make an appointment.

Passaic County and the state also opened a vaccine megasite at the same location. The site is open from 12-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. It is open to New Jersey residents. People can schedule appointments online, but walk-ins are welcome.

The Wayne Health Department also offers vaccinations Wednesdays. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. Click here to book an appointment.

Watch Vergano's full monthly COVID-19 update below:

Thanks for reading. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter and follow the Wayne Patch Facebook Page.