Did You Protest In Newark? Take A Coronavirus Test, Mayor Says

NEWARK, NJ — Were you one of the thousands of protesters who attended the peaceful George Floyd rallies in Newark and elsewhere? Your next move should be to get a coronavirus test, the city’s mayor says.

On Saturday, people from outside the city joined with local residents to express their outrage and sorrow over Floyd’s death. Responding to calls from organizers, many in the crowd wore face masks and practiced social distancing; others did not.

• See related article: Thousands Flood Downtown Newark For Peaceful Protests
• See related article: 5 Inspiring Glimpses Into Newark's Peaceful George Floyd Protest

Similar protests were held in Jersey City, Asbury Park and elsewhere that also drew thousands of people, but not everyone practiced social distancing at those events, either.

• See related article: 'Take A Knee!' Protesters In Jersey City Scream At Police. Few Do
• See related article: WATCH: Chants, Unity, Clashes In Asbury Park George Floyd Protest

During one of his daily video messages earlier this week, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said that anyone who was at the protest – cops, civilians and cleanup crew alike – should immediately take a COVID-19 test to see if they’re infected.

“If you’re positive, stay home,” he emphasized.

READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here's What You Need To Know)

Baraka, who was at the rally himself and marched side by side with the protesters, said he was tested for the virus on Sunday via a nasal swab and is negative.

Baraka isn't the only public official to advise people to take a coronavirus test if they attend a protest. In a news conference Tuesday, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis asked Coloradans who participated in protests to take advantage of free testing in that state.

"I respect the fact that those Coloradans consider [protesting] essential," Polis said. "It's not possible to stay at home when your conscience won't allow you to stay at home."

Newark has been among the hardest-hit places in New Jersey when it comes to the coronavirus. As of Wednesday, there have been 7,330 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newark, with 596 deaths linked to the disease, according to city statistics.

Newark residents can get free COVID-19 testing at several locations, including the Branch Brook Park skating rink. Essex County has also been running a drive-thru testing site at Branch Brook Park that’s open to all county residents.

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