WOODBRIDGE – Woodbridge officials reported 41 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the township to 792, according to Mayor John McCormac in his daily report on April 16.
“[The number of new cases] is higher than each of our last five days, but still slightly below our average of the last three weeks,” he said. “One week ago we reported 77 cases and eight days ago we reported 87 so 41 is a significant number, but in comparison to our worst days it is only half as bad.”
McCormac noted the total number of 792 cases does not reflect the current number of people infected in the township.
“This is the number of positive cases since we started getting numbers in, but according to our discussions with many of the victims we are finding that the vast majority of them have recovered and are back to their normal lives if there is such a thing as normal any more,” he said. “We have not reached everyone, as many people are reluctant to talk about their situation and we understand that completely. We just do not want people to think there are almost 800 Woodbridge residents still sick from the virus.”
The mayor said there are at least a dozen of people in the township who have died from COVID-19; however, he said it is difficult to know the exact amount of deaths due to the virus because of incomplete reporting by health care facilities.
McCormac, in his report, said as each day passes and more people lose their jobs and their incomes, it is inevitable the demand on the township’s 11 food pantries will increase.
The Township has a bank account called We Feed Woodbridge that collects monetary donations that are spread among all the pantries as they need it. Checks can be made out to We Feed Woodbridge and sent to the township’s Health Department at 1 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, NJ 07095 or to the Mayor’s office at 1 Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.
“Every donation is greatly appreciated and will be put to use immediately and every dollar will be spent on food for those who need it,” he said.
The mayor continues to urge neighbors to check on people who live alone and cannot leave their homes.
For more COVID-19 information, visit covid19.nj.gov. Visit www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us for local information.
For Middlesex County information visit discovermiddlesex.com/covid19/ or www.middlsexcountynj.gov/covid19.