West Orange Sees Sharp Uptick Of Coronavirus Cases: Officials

WEST ORANGE, NJ — There’s been a sharp uptick in confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in West Orange over the past few days, officials reported Monday.

Before the weekend, there were five reported cases of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 in West Orange. But as of Monday morning, that total had risen to 21, Mayor Robert Parisi said.

The cases included a 15-year-old male who doesn’t attend West Orange schools. Other people with confirmed COVID-19 ranged in age from 21 to 69.

Out of the infected, two people are currently hospitalized and 19 are recovering at home. In addition, two other people have already recovered from the virus and have been released, Parisi said.

• See related article: West Orange Coronavirus Update: State Of Emergency Continues

“This significant increase is due in large part to increased and faster testing as well as the recent development of the private labs – Quest Labs specifically – reporting directly to the Communicable Disease Database,” the mayor said. “This development was anticipated, and the township is working each confirmed case.”

Parisi added:

“All residents are reminded to stay at home as much as possible. We are only in the early stages of this shutdown and we should all plan on being home for a while…read a book, watch a movie, clean the garage or just enjoy your family. Stay home and help to flatten the curve!”

New Jersey has recorded 2,844 confirmed cases and 27 deaths from the new coronavirus known as COVID-19 as of Monday afternoon. READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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