NEWARK – Hours after implementing a tough policy to combat the spread of the virus, Newark chief executive found out that he might have caught the very thing he was trying to stop.
On Dec. 22, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka took to Twitter and made this stunning announcement:
“I tested positive for COVID yesterday and thankfully my wife and son tested negative. By the grace of God I’m okay and have no symptoms at all. I’m going to retest on Friday and Monday as well, and I thank everyone for your well wishes. Please wear your masks and get vaccinated!”
Baraka was not alone in making such an announcement, as Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop also said that he too tested positive. On Dec. 19, former Newark Mayor and current U.S. Senator Cory Booker made it known that he tested positive for the virus.
Meanwhile, Jets head coach Robert Saleh could miss the team’s upcoming test if a retest shows that he is still positive.
Before the news of his test results, Baraka issued an executive order that everyone in public buildings must wear a face covering, regardless of vaccination status. Also, Baraka and Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara re-instated the mask mandate for all members of the Department of Public Safety, including Newark Police, Firefighters and Office of Emergency Management personnel, effective immediately.
“The Executive Order I signed yesterday encompasses our first responders, who are required to wear masks in all city buildings, in public areas and in private areas occupied by two or more people until further notice,” Mayor Baraka said. “Our goal is to keep our residents and city employees safe in light of this recent spike in new COVID-19 cases and the emergency of the Omicron variant.”
“In concert with Mayor Baraka’s Order, all Newark Police and Firefighters will also wear masks – regardless of their vaccination status – during the performance of their duties in serving the public, and while indoors or inside department vehicles that are occupied by at least one other person,” Director O’Hara said. “As police and firefighters typically face the public most often, it is critical that they take every precaution to safeguard Newark residents and one another.”
On Dec. 23, the New Jersey Department of Health announced that the state tallied a record 15,482 positive cases, the most ever recorded in a single day since the pandemic began.
