Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, North Bergen has been a virus hot spot. To cope, the Housing Authority has tested all senior residents, provided masks to all residents, gave out candy to senior residents to raise their spirits, and now has purchased temperature scanners to combat COVID-19.
As a result of their past measures, only four senior residents tested positive for COVID-19 out of 600 that were tested for the virus. Now the township hopes to continue to their progress.
The North Bergen Housing Authority (NBHA) has purchased five temperature scanners to be placed at the entrance of all high-rise buildings operated by NBHA.
Temperature scanners in place
All visitors will be scanned prior to entering the building, according to the township. and will be denied entry if their temperature is at or above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, as per state government standards.
Prior to the purchase of these scanners, NBHA security had been using a temperature gun to measure visitor temperatures.
The new scanners, which were purchased with money provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development through the CARES Act, are contactless and conform to social distancing guidelines.
“Executive Director Sanzari and NBHA staff have done an outstanding job keeping our seniors safe throughout this crisis,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco. “Acquiring these scanners is yet another proactive measure that they are taking so that we can minimize the risk of visitors entering our buildings.”
These devices are being deployed as part of the NBHA infectious disease policy, which the Township said has been “extraordinarily successful in preventing the spread of COVID-19.”
After the State of Emergency ends, recommendations from the North Bergen Health Department and legal counsel will determine whether or not the temperature scanners will continue to be used.
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