The number of people tested positive for the new coronavirus in Paterson increased from 376 to 532 on Wednesday afternoon.

Two more people have died from Covid-19, bringing the fatalities in Paterson to six. A man, 70, and another 36 died from the virus officials said on Thursday afternoon.

The 36-year-old man is the youngest person do die from the virus in Paterson.

Paterson has reported the most cases in Passaic County with Clifton trailing behind. Clifton reported 284 positive cases on Wednesday with four deaths. Both Paterson and Clifton are seeing exponential growth in the number of cases.

Passaic County had 1,494 infected residents with 27 deaths. Overall, New Jersey had 22,225 positive cases with 355 deaths on Wednesday, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

State health officials have directed hospitals to prepare for a surge of patients in their emergency rooms. St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center announced it is opening 154 acute care medical beds at the former Barnert Hospital.

Email: [email protected]

Updated 12:28 p.m.