HACKENSACK, N.J. — The hardest hit county in New Jersey during the coronavirus pandemic is Bergen and the county is taking extra steps to try and protect residents while the virus continues to hit hard.

County Executive Jim Tedesco issued an executive order Friday closing all county parks to the public during the pandemic. The order goes into effect at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 28.

“Keeping the parks open has placed a tremendous burden on local law enforcement, the Bergen County Sheriff and other critical resources during this pandemic,” said Tedesco. “Local authorities have reported complications, including but not limited to traffic congestion, parking issues and non-compliance with social distancing guidelines, related to park visitation, resulting in the need for closure.”

As of Friday, 1,505 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bergen County, almost double the next highest county in the state (Essex with 826). There are more positive tests in Bergen than 38 US states.

