At noon today, inside Newark City Hall, The Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Dr. Mark J. Wade announced the first positive coronavirus case in the city.
According to Mayor Baraka and Dr. Wade, the patient is a male in his 50’s and is currently asymptomatic. The patient is a healthcare worker at University Hospital who lives in Bergen County. He was brought to the hospital on March 6th officials said.
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There is two other patients who has symptoms and is being monitored by health officials. Mayor Baraka stated he could not confirm if these two patients are in Newark.
On Friday, Superintendent Roger Leon closed all city schools beginning on Monday, March 16th and will extend to March 30, 2020, in an effort to deep clean all of the buildings.
Mayor Baraka said the city is working on a moratorium on rent evictions, water shut-offs, and 60 days to pay taxes for those affected by the Coronavirus coming from an executive order expected to be signed today.
”I urge all to not attend local gatherings including bars, concerts, or large gatherings until further notice,” the mayor said.