Paterson will begin testing all seniors who live in public housing for COVID-19.

The city has six senior living facilities run by the Paterson Housing Authority, which house more than 700 residents. Officials say there have been 14 confirmed virus-related deaths among that population.

Paterson also has many generations of families living together who often don't have space to quarantine if a relative gets infected.

"Older adults are at risk and protecting them is a priority," says Mayor Andre Sayegh.

Sayegh says he hopes this will stop the community spread of the virus.