Yesterday, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams warned the country that we will face our “Pearl Harbor moment” this week. As the official U.S. death toll approaches 10,000, Adams suggested we brace for “the hardest and saddest week of most Americans’ lives.” Dr. Anthony Fauci echoed these thoughts in Sunday’s White House briefing, saying “This is probably going to be a very bad week.” Here in Bergen County, we must all understand that in order to flatten the curve and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in our communities, everyone needs to do their part.

Following CDC guidelines, take action to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a cloth face covering in public spaces, keeping at least 6 feet of physical distance, and frequently washing your hands. I cannot stress it enough, STAY HOME unless absolutely necessary – i.e. for basic necessities or medical treatment. It is each of our responsibilities to keep those on the front lines and essential workers safe by staying home.

Our Bergen County-operated COVID-19 drive-thru test site continues test Bergen County residents who are symptomatic, as well as first responders and health professionals who live or work in Bergen County. This site is by APPOINTMENT ONLY and further information may be found here: www.newbridgehealth.org.

To aid those on the front lines, Bergen County is accepting donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to help our fight against COVID-19. The County is accepting small and large donations alike!

Details below:

Monday through Friday, 9AM to 2PM

Bergen County Annex Building

220 East Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus

(located behind Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, off of Pascack Road/Ridgewood Ave)

Businesses and residents can email PPEdonations@co.bergen.nj.us should there be any specific questions about PPE donations. Please consider helping our community, our frontline responders–our Bergen County family.

These are difficult times for each of us, but please remember that together we a one community and one family. We will get through this together. For additional resources, please visit: www.co.bergen.nj.us/health-promotion/2019-novel-corona-virus. Thank you to everyone for their continued cooperation and patience during this uncertain times.