The city is witnessing an ongoing downturn in the number of active COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
As of Feb. 11, there were less than 400 active virus cases, according to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management. Approximately 100 residents have died of the virus since the onset of the pandemic.
The number of hospitalizations is down, as most residents recover at home. There were nine COVID-19 patients at Bayonne Medical Center as of Feb. 11. OEM does not have data on Bayonne residents in other hospitals.
Residents are encouraged to wear masks, social distance, and practice good hygiene.
A year of the pandemic
“This past week we marked the one year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting our great city,” Mayor James Davis said.
Feb. 7 marked one year since the Royal Caribbean cruise ship with potential virus patients docked in Bayonne.
Though no one on board had COVID-19, Davis said, “it’s hard to imagine we are still dealing with the pandemic a year later.”
The vaccine distribution efforts are now in full swing, with nearly 5,000 residents vaccinated so far.
“February has been a very busy month as we work together to tackle the vaccination of our community and the seemingly endless snow we have been getting,” Davis said.
Davis also noted the significance of Black History Month.
“I ask that each of you take a moment to reflect on Black History Month, which is celebrated each February,” Davis said. “There are so many African American people who have a direct and positive impact on our country’s history and in the lives of people here in Bayonne.”
Get tested
Patients with an appointment from their physicians can be tested inside their vehicles at the Emergency Room Driveway entrance to Bayonne Medical Center every day from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The walk-in COVID-19 testing site at the Bayonne Community Museum at 229 Broadway will be open on Feb. 23 and 24.
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 at 904 Bayonne Crossing Way offers tests for walk-ins only; call 551-497-5675 for more information.
Residents can get tested at Broadway Care Pharmacy at 516 Broadway, and Total Care Pharmacy at 596 Broadway. Call 201-437-5100 for Broadway Care Pharmacy and 201-535-5080 for Total Care Pharmacy.
Testing is available from Dr. Ahab Gabriel at 449 Ave. C, and Hudson DNA and Testing at 150 Pulaski St. Call 201-374-1103 for Dr. Gabriel and 201-994-6594 for Hudson DNA and Testing.
Call 551-214-3500 for an appointment at RWJBarnabas Health at 519 Broadway.
To get a test at BHMG United Medical at 988 Broadway, call 201-339-6111 or visit unitedmed.com.
CityMD and BMC are conducting antibody testing. Residents can 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. The BHD advises residents who have recently taken a COVID-19 test to be sure to answer their phones for contact tracers and 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.
