East Orange Mayor Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Will Quarantine

EAST ORANGE, NJ — The coronavirus is no joke. And if you’re in “denial” about your chances of getting COVID-19, it’s time to wake up, according to East Orange Mayor Ted Green.

On Tuesday, Green announced that he tested positive for the virus last weekend, and will self-quarantine for two weeks.

The mayor said that he believes he may have been exposed to the coronavirus sometime around Nov. 27, when his father, Theodore Green Sr., passed away. Once Green learned that he had prolonged exposure to someone who recently tested positive, he went to East Orange General Hospital for a rapid test after the burial services for his father.

Green’s mother, Lula Mae Green, also recently passed away.

According to Green, he hasn’t experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 as of Tuesday. But he’s seen firsthand how quickly the virus can create a life-or-death fight for a seemingly healthy person.

Though asymptomatic, Green’s doctor ordered him to be admitted to East Orange General Hospital for precautionary evaluation and oversight.

Green said he’s been taking an “abundance” of safety measures to prevent infection. But when he got it anyway, it came as a shock.

“I want people to understand that this virus is no joke,” Green said. “I’ll be the first one to admit that I was in denial and didn’t think it could happen to me.”

“Don’t ever take your health for granted,” the mayor urged. “No one is exempt from this virus.”

• See related article: Coronavirus Took East Orange Councilman 'To The Brink' And Back

With the winter holidays approaching, and people spending more time indoors, it’s more important than ever to remain united in the effort to slow the spread of the virus, Green said.

As of Tuesday, there were 3,110 positive cases of COVID-19 in the city and 242 deaths linked to the disease, with a nearly 250 percent increase in positive cases between September to December, officials said.

East Orange has a population of 64,367, according to the U.S. Census’ most recent estimates.

• See related article: Essex County On Coronavirus 'Red Zone' List

After the virus began to spread in New Jersey last March, East Orange city officials – including Green – have been burning the candle on both ends to keep residents safe, organizing remote town hall meetings, emergency food distributions, rental assistance, free COVID-19 testing, PPE giveaways and alternative virtual programs.

To help curb the spread during what many experts have dubbed a “second wave” of the virus, Green has ordered that nonessential businesses close at 8 p.m., while all others must close by 10 p.m., with the exception of drive-up or pick-up services.

Green has also been working jointly with fellow Mayors Ras Baraka, Tony Vauss and Dwayne Warren in neighboring Newark, Irvington and Orange to collaborate on efforts to curb the virus in each urban city.

“Day in and day out, we’ve been preaching the same message – wash your hands, wear your masks and practice social distancing,” Green said. “East Orange, we may not like it, but this is what we have to do to protect ourselves and each other.”

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