Verona’s township manager, Matthew Cavallo, announced this after noon that a third Verona resident has died due to complications associated with the novel coronavirus COVID-19. “This loss occurring during this time of year compounds the tragedy for the family and the greater Verona community,” Cavallo said. “We mourn together with the family who is suffering so greatly.”
The township does not release the named of those who have died during the outbreak, and Cavallo asked that residents not sure information about the identify until families are ready for this information to be public. (The Chef Floyd Cardoz had been a resident of Verona for almost 20 years, but was living in Roseland at the time of his death from COVID-19 on March 25.)
Cavallo praised Verona’s grassroots efforts to flatten the curve of the virus, support healthcare providers and emergency services, as well as the grieving families and local businesses. “I am certain that all Verona families will continue to support those who are experiencing loss, illness, and unexpected life changes,” he said. “This is this the Verona we know and love.”
Since the township’s last weekly update on April 3, test-confirmed positive cases in Verona have increased by 57%. According to data released by Essex County this morning, Verona now has 55 positive infections compared with 122 in Cedar Grove and 223 in Montclair. MyVeronaNJ has also analyzed the rates of positive cases per 1,000 people in all Essex County towns because some are larger or smaller than Verona. This afternoon, the County said that it would hold three more testing days in Weequahic Park because about 5,000 people who had registered for testing were not able to be tested.
Cavallo urger residents to continue to maintain social distancing and limiting unnecessary travel. In the last week, the state has enacted additional orders related to grocery store capacity, wearing of face coverings while at grocery stores, limiting certain construction projects, and regulations on manufacturing. Please visit the New Jersey COVID-19 resource page for more information.
“Please continue to keep in your thoughts our emergency services personnel, healthcare workers, and essential personnel,” Cavallo said, “as they must continue to serve while others may remain in the safety of their homes.”
