This afternoon, Mayor Ras Baraka addressed the public via a Facebook LIVE video feed on a new development in the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Apparently, 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.
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.
Residents can call in to the Town Hall at (855)-756-7520 Ext.56949# to ask questions. Additionally, the event will be broadcast live on the City’s Facebook page and on NewarkTV 78 on Altice and Channel 28 on FIOS.
It is also important for everyone to know the signs and practice prevention tips as those provided by the NJ Dept of Health (https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/INFOGRAPHIC-covid-19-quick_facts.pdf).
For more information on updates and travel, please visit:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
New Jersey Department of Health:
https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml
City of Newark:
https://www.newarknj.gov
New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) 24/7 Hotline-
800-222-1222 or https://www.njpies.org
 screening tested positive for the virus.){kind=link}