Bergen COVID Update: Case Numbers Jumped In Late Dec.

Mahwah NJ

13 January, 2022

1:11 PM

Description

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Bergen County reached a new high point for coronavirus cases in late December and early January. On Dec. 30, the number of daily cases surpassed 3,000 for the first time, state data shows. There were more than 3,000 cases reported on Jan. 1, 4, 7, and 8 as well. This latest spike in confirmed cases, driven by the omicron variant, is much higher than at any previous point in the coronavirus pandemic. Since the pandemic began in 2020, Bergen County has reported 169,341 cases. Glen Rock mayor Kristine Morieko posted on Facebook Wednesday asking people to "stay the course" in protecting themselves and one another from the virus. "Thankfully, I have not had a positive test to date," Morieko wrote. "However, many close to me have not been as fortunate. Some have been asymptomatic. Some have mild cases. Some have gone through difficult and long-term complications. Some lost family members. When we walk away from this, we will have have lived different versions of this pandemic. Be mindful of that when you comment and post on social media. The past 22 months have been a marathon. Stay the course. Take care of yourselves, and one another." The state of New Jersey reports hospital data by region; in the northern region, there are 2,648 people in hospitals, 394 in the ICU, and 239 on ventilators as of Wednesday. Both of these statistics are lower than they were in spring 2020. There are two pop-up COVID testing events in Bergen County this weekend. Appointments are required. On Saturday, Jan. 22, there is a pop-up testing site from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 260 Central Avenue, Hackensack 07601. On Sunday, Jan. 23, residents can get tested at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 113 Engle Street, Englewood 07631 from 1-3 p.m. Earlier this week, New Jersey health officials said this surge in cases may peak in late January or early February. The state may see 20-30,000 cases daily during that time. The mask mandate for students and staff in Garden State schools will continue for the foreseeable future, as well. For vaccination information in Bergen County, click here. For information on how to get a COVID test, click here.