Coronavirus ‘Checkpoints’ Near Newark, East Orange, Irvington

Eric Kiefer
Updated ·2 min read

NEWARK, NJ — Police will be holding coronavirus-related “checkpoints” from 5 to 8 p.m. near the borders of Newark, East Orange and Irvington, authorities announced Wednesday.

According to the Newark Department of Public Safety, the “COVID-19 informational and social awareness checkpoints” will be held at the following locations in Irvington and East Orange.

Authorities said that officers stationed at the checkpoint locations will share information on the executive orders issued by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, which require residents who are “non-essential workers” to shelter-in-place and to practice social distancing in accordance with the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines to stop the spread of the disease.

As of Wednesday morning, the three cities have seen the following COVID-19 case and death totals, according to Essex County officials:

  • Newark - 4,299 cases, 297 deaths

  • East Orange - 1,147 cases, 86 deaths

  • Irvington - 940 cases, 74 deaths

“Our goal is to educate people in the hopes that we can help save lives,” Director Anthony Ambrose said.

“Some people are still not aware that non-essential and non-emergency travel is barred due to the seriousness of COVID-19,” Ambrose said. “They don’t understand the importance of social distancing or why they are being advised to stay home if they are non-essential personnel. Today’s operation is aimed at bringing awareness.”

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This article originally appeared on the Newark Patch