Newark, NJ—March 17, 2020— Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced on Facebook today that a woman who presented herself at East Orange General Hospital on Saturday, March 14, for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-17) screening tested positive for the virus. However, she gave a false name and a Newark address. City health authorities responded to that address and found no-one there who knew her or of her.
The city is urging the woman to report to the East Orange General Hospital, as she poses a public health risk to herself and the community.
All residents are urged that when they get tested or seek assistance from medical providers – public, private, or PCPs – to provide complete and accurate information to the medical staff.
They should not be afraid to do so. Providing that information is vital for health care workers.
See video here: https://www.facebook.com/RasJBaraka/videos/656834511746022/
Mayor Baraka and Director of Health and Community Wellness Dr. Mark Wade, M.D., will hold a Virtual Town Hall with city residents tonight, Tuesday, March 17, at 7 p.m. The Virtual Town Hall will discuss the health impact of Coronavirus on Newark, steps the city is taking to address it, and measures residents can take to protect themselves.