NJ Doc Who Heads St. Joe's Emergency Preparedness Has Coronavirus

PATERSON – A doctor who heads emergency preparedness at St. Joseph's University Medical Center is in critical but stable condition after testing positive for the new coronavirus, the hospital confirmed.

James N. Pruden, 70, of Teaneck tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 and remains under care at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center.

Presumptive positive means the person tested positive in state labs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ultimately confirms the test. So far, 100 percent of the state's positive tests have been confirmed.

St. Joseph’s is following CDC protocols that include isolation of the patient and use of appropriate personal protective equipment, the hospital said.

In an effort to assist in the surveillance and tracing of potential exposure, the doctor has authorized St. Joseph’s Health to release his name and dates of the onset of symptoms, up to treatment/admission to the hospital.

He first experienced symptoms on March 1 and was admitted on March 6.

In accordance with New Jersey Department of Health protocols, St. Joseph’s Health is conducting a trace on individuals who had potential contact with Pruden in the days prior to his admission to the hospital.

Any member of the community who believes they may have come in contact withPruden during this time are asked to contact their local health department for assistance.