(WOODBRIDGE) – Following an outbreak of COVID-19 at St. Joseph’s Senior Home in Woodbridge, 94 residents of the facility were transferred to CareOne at Hanover in Whippany, Morris County, on Wednesday.

The effort was a result of days of coordination between local, county and state health officials to protect the safety of the residents, all of whom are presumed to have been exposed to the virus. Several workers had also tested positive, leading to staffing shortages in the past week.

Senator Joe Vitale, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (all D-Middlesex), who represent the 19^th legislative district that includes Woodbridge, released the following statement:

“Every day, health care professionals put the needs of others before their own. That’s exactly what dedicated doctors, nurses and first responders did for the residents of St. Joseph’s in their darkest hour. Their quick action saved lives.

“This pandemic impacts every single one of us. We must step in to help our neighbors when they are in need. Care One in Morris County saw their neighbors in Middlesex County were in trouble and didn’t hesitate to offer their help and support. We would do the same for them. It’s simply the right thing to do.  

“Our deepest thanks to CareOne, Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, Woodbridge Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Patrick Kenny, Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Johnson, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac and Robert Wood Johnson EMS Coordinator Lou Sasso. When we all come together, we can accomplish incredible things.”