Active COVID-19 cases have been steadily rising for the past nine weeks, spiking throughout November.
As of Nov. 24, there were 206 active cases, according to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
OEM said that 2,152 residents tested positive, regardless of where that test was given, as of Nov. 24.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 82 Bayonne residents have died, and 1,864 have recovered.
COVID-19 hospitalizations at BMC remain low because most residents recover at home. There were 15 COVID-19 patients at BMC as of Nov. 24. OEM does not have data on Bayonne residents in hospitals other than BMC.
Maintain ‘COVID-sense’
Mayor James Davis gave the weekly COVID-19 video update on Nov. 24. Davis said that the city is witnessing a considerable growth in the number of positive cases amid the second wave of the virus.
A few weeks prior, Davis noted there were only nine residents sick with the virus. Now the city has recorded more than 200 active cases.
Although the numbers continue to rise, Davis said that the rate of hospitalization remains low.
“Regardless of the cards we have been dealt in 2020, the resiliency of our residents is what makes Bayonne so special,” Davis said.
Davis also asked that everyone shop local this year to support local businesses hit hard by the pandemic.
To mitigate the spread of the virus, residents are encouraged to use “COVID-sense” by wearing masks, social distancing, and practicing good hygiene.
Getting tested
Drive-thru testing is again available. Bayonne Medical Center (BMC) has reinstated its drive-thru testing program, but not at Veterans Stadium, which ceased operations in July.
Now patients with a prescription and an appointment can be tested inside their vehicles at the Emergency Room Driveway entrance at BMC.
This testing takes place every day from, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. by appointment only.
The RiteAid at 54th Street and Broadway offers free testing for all residents over 18 via drive-thru.
Visit riteaid.com to register. Residents do not need to be symptomatic, nor do they need a prescription.
CityMD on Route 440 offers COVID-19 tests for walk-ins only.
Residents can also get tested at Broadway Care Pharmacy at 516 Broadway and Total Care Pharmacy at 596 Broadway. For more information, call 201-437-5100 for Broadway Care Pharmacy and 201-535-5080 for Total Care Pharmacy.
CityMD and BMC are conducting antibody testing. Residents should call 2-1-1 for a list of testing sites throughout the state.
The Bayonne Health Department is immediately notified of positive results and contacts individuals to begin contact tracing. It advises residents who have recently taken a COVID-19 test to be sure to answer their phones for contact tracers and BHD staff.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
