Wyckoff Mayor Reports 2 New Deaths, Hope For Economy

WYCKOFF, NJ — In a May 7 message to the township committee, Wyckoff Mayor Tim Shanley reports two new coronavirus deaths. 59 Wyckoff residents have now died, according to Shanley.

"Our biggest negative today was Bergen County Health called me tonight while I was on a Google meet parent introduction for my 5th Grader's entry into Eisenhower Middle School. As you are aware, the calls from Bergen at night are to report bad news and unfortunately we lost 2 more Wyckoff residents to this horrible virus and we have now lost 59 residents," writes Shanley.

Positive cases of the coronavirus also increased by two, said Shanely, who said the new cases and deaths are likely the same residents. "We otherwise are trending well with limited increases in positives in Wyckoff," he said.

Shanley expressed hope about Gov. Phil Murphy's recent comments regarding reopening small businesses.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Murphy hinted at wanting to reopen non-essential small businesses, dependent on the potential risk to public safety.

"If we can do that responsibly, you can assume that's on the list of things we want to do," Murphy said.

Shanley said this move — particularly permitting some construction, curbside collection and non-emergency surgeries — would be "a start to get the economy moving", but added that safety was still of utmost concern.

"We will need to do this smart like when we go out for essentials at the food stores with 6 foot distances and face coverings," he writes.