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COVID-19 Cases in Newark Continue to Climb As City Reports First Cases Among First Responders

City of Newark NJ

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is urging residents to remain at home as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise. Among them some of the city’s first responders. 

In addition to the city’s nearly eighty cases so far three police officers and six firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19. Baraka says those who continue to disregard the city’s mandated 8pm curfew, as well as social distancing practices, are putting others at risk, particularly first responders.

“You are in fact making it more dangerous , not just for the people of this community, but making it more dangerous for the health care providers and the health system that has to treat the people that are coming to the hospital that are in fact sick, and you may be it home to people in your family who do not have an immune system as strong as your own.”

Baraka says they are closely monitoring the situation and says he is prepared to put even stricter measures in place if necessary.

Alexandra Hill began her work with WBGO in June of 2012 in the news department. A graduate of the Rutgers Newark journalism program, Alexandra was also a student of WBGO News Director Doug Doyle. Alexandra has since become the lead general assignment reporter, afternoon news anchor, and producer of the award winning live call in show Newark Today. Since working for WBGO Alexandra has covered politics in and around Newark including the 2014 mayoral campaign of Mayor Ras Baraka as well as the senate campaigns of former Newark Mayor and now U.S. Senator Cory Booker in both 2013 and 2014. Alexandra also covers a host of human-interest stories, and has been recognized by the New York Association Of Black Journalists for her piece entitled Sheltering Newark’s Homeless.