Newark Mayor Ras Baraka this afternoon told reporters at City Hall that his city has one confirmed Covid-19 case of an individual that he knows is in Newark, and a second confirmed case of an individual whose speciment was harvested in Newark who may be in the city.

“Two people tested,” said Baraka. “We don’t know if the second case is in fact in Newark.  We are investigating to determine if that second person is in fact a Newark resident.”

Those two people who registered positive results in Newark were among 21 formally recorded by the state lab.

Baraka appeared on a stage in city hall on a stage overcrowded with dignitaries – among them Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, Assemblywoman Cleo Tucker, and local council people – apparently oblivious to the six-foot separation rule as they breathed and bumped up against one another in close proximity to give their update.

“Stay away from large crowds,” Baraka urged.

“Practice social distancing,” he added, crammed at the podium between Tucker and DiVincenzo.

Governor Phil Murphy made a point of reminding reporters yesterday that his briefings he is following the six-foot social distancing recommendation to help stem the spread of the virus.

Baraka held today’s briefing alongside Shereef Elnahal, CEO of University Hospital, and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Dr. Mark J. Wade.

After speaking at the microphone, the mayor signed an executive order to help residents and businesses impacted by coronavirus situation. The order puts a moratorium on rent evictions and extends the due date for payments and fees. The order also suspends water shut-offs in the city.

“If there’s no necessity for you to come out, you should stay inside,’ Baraka said. “Deal with your daily routine. Do not be in large crowds with individuals. Bars. Clubs. Art shows.”

Yesterday, Baraka made a statement regarding the closing of public schools in his city, as Newark battles COVID-19.

“While the Newark Public Schools are taking precautions in regard to the spread of the Coronavirus by closing schools for the next couple of weeks, we strongly expect for our children to be supervised and indoors, focusing on their school work during this time. This is not an impromptu vacation. This is an opportunity for our city to take an international health emergency seriously and to help protect our city. To date, Newark has no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus, meanwhile, the nation currently has more than 2,100 cases and that number is rapidly increasing.

“Let’s take this time for our children to complete the work packets given by the schools, keep our community safe, and if anyone in your home feels sick then either stay in the house, or seek medical attention by a healthcare provider. Everyone needs to continue practicing safe measures like washing hands for at least 20 seconds and coughing into your sleeve or elbow if you have a cough. We hope that this will resolve quickly, but in the meantime, we have to do what we can to safeguard our community.

“For general questions about Coronavirus (COVID-19), please contact 1-800-222-1222.”

The city also announced the closing of the Newark Public Library due to the virus.