As the pandemic begins to show signs of slowing down in Hudson County, the township of North Bergen continues to work toward containing the outbreak. In April, Gov. Phil Murphy declared the Township was a COVID-19 hotspot, anticipating a large number of cases in the locale.
To cope with the ongoing pandemic, the township has mandated the testing of 100 percent of nursing homes, including patients and staff, as well as all first responders fighting on the front lines of the pandemic.
The North Bergen Housing Authority (NBHA) is now distributing masks to all tenants in order to protect them from any possible exposure to COVID-19. The Nicholas J. Sacco Foundation and Hudson River Apiary Society partnered with the North Bergen Housing Authority to purchase 1,500 masks which are being distributed, including 100 child masks.
“Protecting our vulnerable senior population during this COVID-19 crisis is tremendously important,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco. “We appreciate the way that our community has stepped up by donating critical supplies to the NBHA which are currently being distributed to every Housing Authority resident.”
Sacco said the township will continue to work closely with NBHA staff to ensure that the township’s seniors are getting everything they need to be safe. Many seniors are residents of Housing Authority buildings.
Masks donated
Local nonprofit organization Backpacks for Life donated 500 masks and 1,500 pairs of socks to be distributed to Housing Authority residents. NB Renaissance Partners contributed donations from businesses throughout the community.
NBHA Executive Director Gerald Sanzari said he is thankful for the generosity of all the organizations that have donated masks as well as other items.
“The community along with NBHA staff have risen to this incredible challenge that we are facing as a result of COVID-19,” Sanzari said. “Our number one goal is to keep our residents safe and healthy, and these donations will go a long way toward helping us do that.”
Residents interested in donating masks or money for additional masks, checks may be made out to the North Bergen Renaissance Corporation and mailed to 6201 Grand Avenue, North Bergen, NJ 07047.
The North Bergen Renaissance Corporation is a registered charitable organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
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