With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing, North Bergen urges residents to refrain from unnecessary interactions, closing Town Hall to the public, starting Nov. 30.
No office visits will be permitted, with the exception of the Health Department and Building Department, by appointment only.
Most services are available online and by phone. Municipal employees are available by phone and email.
Frequently requested forms are available at northbergen.org/forms. Completed forms can be emailed back or deposited in the drop box by the chambers entrance.
Residents and property owners can use the township’s website for tax payments. For general questions, email nbhelpdesk@northbergen.org.
The surge by the nunbers
As of Nov. 26, the township had 4,723 confirmed cases and 238 deaths.
This marks a 563 jump since the week before. This is the sixth consecutive week that cases have increased by more than 100, and the third consecutive week that cases jumped by nearly 500.
The new testing site is open for walk-up or drive-thru on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Tests include the COVID-19 Nasal Swab and Serology Antibody Test.
No appointment is necessary. There is no out-of-pocket cost for township residents and no insurance co-pay.
Two other free testing sites are available by appointment-only with proof of residency.
Call the Walk-in Urgent Care Center, 7405 Bergenline Avenue, at (201) 636-6763; call Diligent Medical Care, 3725 Liberty Avenue, at (201) 834-8887; or text COVID to (973) 447-3559.
Residents are urged to get tested, socially distance, and wear masks.
North Bergen provides free masks to residents. Call 201-392-2157 or email NBCares@northbergen.org.
North Hudson hit hard
Other North Hudson municipalities have also been hit hard.
As of Nov. 25, Union City had 5,691 confirmed cases and 230 deaths. According to the city, the number of positive cases has gone up by 489 cases over the course of a week.
West New York had 3,147 confirmed cases, 892 recoveries, and 147 deaths as of Nov. 25. According to data from the town, cases have risen by 309 since the previous week.
As of Nov. 26, Secaucus had 1,117 confirmed cases and 50 deaths. Data from the town indicates a rise in cases by 112 over the course of a week.
Weehawken had 46 confirmed cases, 539 recoveries, and 23 deaths as of Nov. 25. The number of positive cases has gone up by 25 over the course of a week.
As of Nov. 24, Guttenberg had 98 confirmed cases, 298 recoveries, and 32 deaths. Data from the town shows an increase of 55 cases since Nov. 6.
Residents are advised to wear masks, social distane, wash hands, stay home if ill, and avoid large crowds.
How to get tested
North Hudson residents can get tested for COVID-19 and antibodies in Union City at 36th Street between Bergenline Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard.
For Monday and Friday appointments, call 201-537-5704; for Tuesday and Thursday appointments, call 201-366-8465. Walk-ins are welcome on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Residents can also get tested at Hudson Regional Hospital, 55 Meadowlands Parkway in Secaucus.
Testing is available on Mondays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Make an appointment by calling 201-388-1097 Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residents must be at least five years old for COVID-19 and antibody tests,and six months old for flu vaccines. Results are emailed within 24 hours.
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.
