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.