Newark Mayor Offers Coronavirus Safety Tips For The Holidays

NEWARK, NJ — Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka this week issued a reminder to residents that common coronavirus precautions should continue to be observed during the holiday season.

In the period spanning Dec. 18 to Jan. 3 — encompassing several holidays including Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanzaa — residents are encouraged to exercise extra caution and avoid mixed-household gatherings that could spread the virus.

Baraka also reminded residents to continue wearing a mask, even when socially distanced, during gatherings or if outside the home.

Coronavirus tests are also recommended for anyone planning to attend a gathering. Even people with no symptoms of the coronavirus can transmit the illness to others.

Those looking to celebrate the holidays virtually rather than in person this year are encouraged to take advantage of Zoom, a virtual meeting software.

Zoom announced this week it is lifting its 40-minute limit on free chats between 10 a.m. on Dec. 23 and 6 a.m. on Dec. 26 and between 10 a.m. on Dec. 30 and 6 a.m. on Jan. 2.

In a blog post, Zoom reminded users to protect meetings with passwords and waiting rooms to prevent unwanted visitors from joining a hangout.

Zoom also offers a litany of downloadable holiday backgrounds to help jazz up the occasion.