Paterson mayor tests positive for coronavirus
By Jayed Rahman
Published: April 7, 2020
Mayor Andre Sayegh, who has led an aggressive response to Covid-19 in New Jersey’s third biggest city, has tested positive for the new coronavirus.
Sayegh revealed the diagnosis on Tuesday afternoon.
“Today I found out that, like so many around the world, I have tested positive for COVID-19. I was one of hundreds of first responders and city employees tested this past weekend,” said Sayegh. “COVID-19 is a silent virus and I do not know exactly where I may have contracted it. I am not suffering from a fever or cough, but will continue to monitor for symptoms as I am now fully quarantined to my home.”
Sayegh appeared in good health outside a senior apartment complex on Atlantic Street on Tuesday morning. He said his wife has been given the test and his young children are being monitored.
1,182 people tested positive for the virus in Paterson. 11 people have died due to the virus. Most people who contract the virus recover.
Over the past weeks, Sayegh has held meetings and recorded Facebook live videos with many of his cabinet members.
“We are aware of the test results of the mayor and will take all appropriate public health measures. Mayor Sayegh and all close contacts will be quarantined and monitored on a daily basis to determine if symptoms develop,” said health officer Paul Persaud.
The upper echelon of the municipal government may be quarantined as a result of the positive test. Municipal officials said the mayor and his cabinet members will be able to continue performing their duties from home. Sayegh has allowed most City Hall employees to work from home on March 16 when he declared a state of emergency due to the spread of the virus.
“I encourage all Patersonians to take this disease seriously and stay at home when possible. Even with all my careful efforts of social distancing for the last month – keeping six feet away from all individuals, vigorously practicing good hand hygiene, and even over the last week, wearing a mask in public – I have fallen prey to this virus,” said Sayegh. “But I am a fighter and will continue to do my job on behalf of the City of Paterson. I will keep you updated on my health as the days progress.”
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