The number of people tested positive for the new coronavirus in Paterson increased from 256 to 376, a whopping 47-percent increase over a 24-hour period, on Tuesday, according to municipal government data.

Four people have died from the virus in Paterson.

Municipal officials have closed parks, reduced City Hall hours, and held public meetings using teleconference to reduce the spread of the virus.

Mayor Andre Sayegh further reduced City Hall hours by an hour on Tuesday morning. City Hall is now open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Our goal is to stay away from each other,” said Sayegh in a video message to residents. “Paterson, we have to be serious about this.”

Sayegh also warned people not to host large gatherings. He said law enforcement officers are prepared to break up gatherings.

Paterson has the most cases in Passaic County. It is trailed by Clifton with 251 positive cases and 3 deaths on Tuesday. Passaic County reported a total of 1,294 positive cases with 18 deaths. Overall, New Jersey had 18,696 positive cases with 267 deaths on Tuesday, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

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