Ridgewood: Uptick In Coronavirus Cases Reported In Young Adults

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Village Manager Heather Mailander is urging residents to remain vigilant in the village's fight against the coronavirus.

In a message posted to the village website, Mailander announced that "a small number of young people in Ridgewood recently tested positive for COVID-19."

According to the message, people who have come in contact with the COVID-19 positive patients will be notified to self-quarantine and monitor symptoms for 14 days.

"We urge everyone to remain vigilant, continue to follow the proper protocols of wearing masks in public and at social gatherings, practicing social distancing by staying at least 6 feet apart and washing hands frequently," she wrote.

"A Village-wide community effort will help to keep our families, friends, and neighbors safe and well."

Once the epicenter of New Jersey's coronavirus pandemic, Bergen County cases have tapered off as of late.

In Ridgewood, according to numbers reported by the village, 359 positive coronavirus cases have been reported, as have 36 deaths.

Of those deaths, 29 have been residents of long-term care facilities, the village reports.

People between the ages of 18-29 have faced increased scrutiny in recent weeks as videos and photographs have emerged across the state of crowded beaches and bars, and large parties have been reported.

Earlier this month, Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli spoke directly to young people during a news conference.

"I want to especially emphasize to our young people that they are not invincible or immune to COVID-19," she said.

This news comes as Ridgewood's Board of Education is expected to present their back-to-school plan at 6 p.m. Monday.

Ridgewood Schools Public Information Officer Charlene Labenda said Superintendent Daniel Fishbein is in regular contact with the health department regarding protocols as the school year approaches.

Health and safety measures have also been implemented at every level of schooling, including mandatory masks and a hybrid learning plan.

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