COVID-19: Hospitalizations related to the virus are down
BY JAIMIE JULIA WINTERS
winters@montclairlocal.news
The number of patients with COVID-19 being discharged is now exceeding new patients entering the hospital due to complications with the virus. Last night, April 23, 778 COVID-19 patients were discharged, while 385 were admitted.
Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have decreased by 17 percent since April 14, said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith M. Persichilli. Patients in critical care have decreased by 6.6 percent and ventilator use lowered by 12.8 percent, she said.
“There are tens of thousands who have beaten this,” said Gov. Phil Murphy at today’s debriefing.
Although the curve is flattening, “the loss of life remains staggering,” said Murphy.
Today, April 24, the state reported total positives, with 102,196 and the total deaths is at 5,617. The number of new positives is 3,047 and the number of new deaths is 253.
Test results reported today could be from five to seven days ago.
Essex County now has the highest number deaths related to complications with COVID-19, at 974 increasing by 46 today, according to numbers released by the county.
Essex County has dropped to third in the state with the number of positive cases at 12,115, behind Bergen (14,049) and Hudson (12,645).
Deaths in Bergen are now at 907 and. in Hudson, at 606.
The number of positives increased by 328 in Essex County, lower than yesterday's’ report of 482 new cases. Yesterday, the county reported 47 new deaths.
The township Health Department reported the confirmed number of COVID-19 cases in Montclair has increased from yesterday's count of 325 to 334; the number of individuals who did not survive the illness increased from 35 to 38.
Hospitalizations last night lowered from 7,240 to 6,847. The number of patients in critical care decreased from 1,990 to 1,933, and the number of ventilators in use was slightly up from 1,462 to 1,487. The number of patients being admitted to hospitals was 752, the same number as those who were discharged last night.
The governor announced an order requiring landlords to allow renters to use their security deposits to cover shortfalls on the rent or to pay in full.
“Renters should have the ability to tap into this fund to remain in their homes,” he said.
Persichilli also reminded residents of the proper use of cleaning products due to an increase in calls to poison control.
“Follow the products instructions, wear gloves, use EPA registered cleaning products, ensure proper ventilation and keep away from children. And they are never to be ingested or injected,” she said.
The state now has over 80 testing sites. Essex County residents can seek testing at the following sites:
Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652
No appointment, drive in only
PNC Bank Arts Center
Garden State Parkway, Exit 116, Holmdel, NJ 07733
No appointment, drive in only
Cedar Grove
American Family Care Urgent Care
480 Pompton Ave., Suite 6, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
973-239-2300
Must be symptomatic. Call ahead to make sure test kits are available.
East Orange
Metropolitan Medical, a division of Salerno Medical
570 Park Ave., East Orange
862-766-6608
Testing available for first responders in Essex County. Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Livingston
Summit Medical Group Urgent Care
75 East Northfield Ave., Livingston
973-436-1500
Must be a patient of Summit Medical Group and have symptoms that worsen (fever for more than 3 days, difficulty breathing, body aches). Must have an appointment made for them by an Atlantic Medical Group doctor.
Newark
CityMD Newark Urgent Care
617 Broad St., Newark, NJ 07102
862-246-7940
Not testing to rule out COVID-19 for respiratory symptoms. Are testing if strict clinical criteria is met. Must be sick with symptoms.
Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center (FQHC)
110 William St., Newark
800-734-7083
Must get a doctor’s evaluation. Those without insurance should call to be evaluated. Must make an appointment.
West Caldwell
The Doctors’ Office Urgent Care of West Caldwell
556 Passaic Ave., West Caldwell
973-808-2273
Must be sick with symptoms. Walk in, no appointment.
West Orange
American Family Care Urgent Care
464 Eagle Rock Ave., Suite C, West Orange
973.669.5900
Must be symptomatic. Call ahead to make sure test kits are available.