'Significant Increase' In COVID Cases In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — There has been a "significant increase in positive COVID cases in Bernards Township, according to the township Health Director Lucy Forgione.

A total of 79 cases were reported between April 29 and May 5, according to the Bernards Township Health Department(BTHD)'s latest report.

From May 5 through May 10, the township reported 38 cases in that 5-day span, according to Somerset County.

Bernards Township School District is also seeing an increase in cases with 53 students and 13 staff members testing positive and 40 students and 77 staff members who were identified as close contacts for May 10 alone.

In total, the school district has reported 109 students and 23 staff members testing positive for COVID-19.

Forgione previously urged residents to continue wearing masks despite mandates being lifted in New Jersey and across the country for travel. Read More: COVID Cases Rise In Basking Ridge, Locals Asked To 'Remain Vigilant'

"While we are seeing fewer masks, more travel plans, shorter lines for testing and less individuals
receiving COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. I want to urge everyone to remain vigilant as the pandemic is not over," said Forgione.

She also offered a few other tips:

• Get vaccinated if you haven’t and boosted as they become available to your age group.
• If you are exposed to COVID-19 or feel sick, get tested.
• If you feel symptomatic, stay home from school or work. We have many tools at our disposal at this stage in the game such as rapid and PCR testing, therapeutics, and vaccination.

BTHD is hosting COVID-19 Testing Clinics on Thursdays in May including May 12, 19, and 26 at the Bernards Township Community Center, 289 South Maple Ave, Basking Ridge.

The BTHD is also hosting COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics which will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at Saint James Church, 184 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge:

• Pediatric Pfizer (5-11) - Mon, May 23 (1st and 2nd doses available)
• Pfizer (12+), Moderna and J&J - Tue, May 10, 17, 24 (Primary series for Pfizer 12+ for 1st and 2nd doses and boosters for 12+, Moderna primary series or boosters and J&J primary dose or boosters for 18+

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