Joe Malinconico

Paterson Press

PATERSON — In a ray of hope amid the COVID-19 crisis, an enormously popular physician, Dr. James Pruden, was released Tuesday from the hospital where he works, almost a month after he was diagnosed with the deadly virus.

Cheering and chanting, staff members at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center lined the lobby as Pruden was wheeled out of the hospital where just a few weeks ago he was placed in isolation in the critical care unit. During his departure, co-workers held signs that said, “We Love You, Dr. Pruden — Heroes Work Here.”

Pruden, a 70-year-old Teaneck resident, who was in charge of emergency preparedness at the hospital, issued a brief statement.

“Your care made the difference for me and enabled me to beat this virus,” Pruden said. “I implore every health care worker across New Jersey to keep the faith and stay strong. You are giving everything — for people just like me. You are truly our heroes.”

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Community leaders in Paterson cheered the good news.

“All we hear about are the people dying. We don’t hear about people recovering,” said the Rev. Kenneth Clayton, pastor of St. Luke’s Baptist Church. “This tells us that not everybody who tests positive will die.”

Pruden’s recovery was particularly meaningful for Paterson because of the role he has played in community health programs in the city, officials and community leaders said.

“It’s not just his job, it’s his calling,” Clayton said.

Paterson Fire Chief Brian McDermott, who oversees the city's EMT services, called Pruden's release "inspirational" for first responders dealing with what he called the "carnage" caused by the cornonavirus outbreak.

"For all of the firefighters and all the health care workers, it was a huge morale boost to see Dr. Pruden, who has helped so many people over the years, be able to get the help he needed," McDermott said. "He's become a shining example that we can beat this virus."

Councilman William McKoy said that even though Pruden has never lived in the city, he is widely considered "a Patersonian."

"He's someone Paterson has come to know, love and care for," McKoy said. "He's like a favorite uncle, or a good friend."

He said Pruden has always been personable and humble, and never used his prominent position or medical degree as a barrier in a working-class city. "He makes people feel very comfortable around him," the councilman said.

News of Pruden’s infection broke in the second week of March, when there were only 50 coronavirus cases statewide. Now there are almost 50,000, according to state health officials.

Pruden’s release came less than 24 hours after Paterson got the bad news on Tuesday that Mayor Andre Sayegh had tested positive for the coronavirus. Sayegh said he was glad to hear of Pruden’s release.

“He is a credit to our community because he has established himself as a problem-solving physician in Paterson,” the mayor said. “His recovery and release represents a victory for everyone who is fighting this vicious virus, including me.”