East Orange, NJ, October 27, 2020: Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and the Department of Health and Human Services are taking an even more aggressive stance to reduce the rising COVID-19 numbers in the city, which has seen an alarmingly-high number of 148 new cases just in the month of October. That number is almost triple the number of new cases identified in September.
As of October 27, 2020, there are a reported 2,255 positive cases in the City of East Orange and 233 confirmed deaths, which places East Orange right behind the City of Newark with the second highest number of positive cases in Essex County.
Although there are no known hot spots, buildings and multi-family dwellings seem to be a commonality among those areas with the highest number of cases. The number of positive cases is rising rapidly from city to city, which has many experts proclaiming that the anticipated “second wave,” has hit.
Dr. Monique Griffith, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, warns residents, business owners and East Orange employees that now is not the time to get comfortable.
“As the weather gets cooler, more people are moving indoors and hosting private gatherings. Those indoor gatherings are where most of the clusters of positive cases are being found across the state,” said Griffith. “You must still wear your face covers, practice social distancing and adhere to all safety guidelines. We will do everything we can within the community to keep you safe, but we need your help to do it.”
Residents are encouraged to be cautious when commuting to other locations within New Jersey, the Tri-State area and beyond, and it is strongly recommended that travel to other states be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Mayor Green wants all residents to abide by the safety measures put in place and to report those who violate them.
“If I have to shut down businesses early and shut down the parks and all large outside activities, I will,” said Mayor Green.
At the height of the pandemic in April, Mayor Green implemented a Saturday and Sunday “Tough Love” Shutdown, an initiative launched to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in East Orange. Members of EOPD’s Enhanced Community Safety Team and city code and health inspectors showed up in full force in all areas of the city to aggressively enforce Governor Phil Murphy’s “Stay at Home” Executive Order, as well as impose federal health and safety guidelines on businesses, multi-unit dwellings and residents.
“We cannot get lapse and we cannot fight this virus alone. This is our time to protect ourselves and to protect each other,” said Mayor Green. “We have come too far to go backwards now!”
To report COVID-19 violations, please call the Health Department at 973.266.5480.
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