Passaic County COVID Cases Still In 'Red Zone:' See Updates

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — The coronavirus continues to take a grim toll on Passaic County, impacting local businesses and schools in the region, according to updated state data.

The state Department of Health's most recent "COVID-19 Activity Level Report," which is issued weekly, says Passaic County is still in the "red zone" for coronavirus cases.

The "red zone" means the daily new COVID-19 virus case rate, per 100,000 people, is "very high" currently in 11 counties. That means they exceed 25 cases per 100,000 people over a seven-day average. The "orange" zone means they have a rate of 10 to 25 cases per 100,000 people.

The latest reports say the overall coronavirus activity level is either "moderate," or "yellow," or "high," or "orange," in all New Jersey counties.

"When it is high risk, there are some recommendations that we make together with local school boards," said Edward Lifshitz, medical director for the state Department of Health.

Indeed, a number of school districts have shifted to remote instruction as the numbers have risen.

The overall coronavirus risk rose to "high" in each of the counties because:

• The new daily case rate in each of the counties rose to 10 or more per 100,000 people.
• The percent of COVID-19-like illnesses rose above 5.52 in each of the counties.
• The percent of positive cases rose above 10.01.

While cases shrink in Wayne Township, vaccinations are continuing.

Winter weather through a wrinkle into the plan, however, as second dose appointments scheduled for Friday had to be moved to Saturday.

The township is still receiving a smaller shipment than requested, but vaccination efforts are ongoing at the Preakness Shopping Center hub.

Appointments are often limited at that site, but other locations in Passaic County are available. Read more: COVID Vaccine Site List In Wayne, Passaic County: What To Know