Paterson shatters previous Covid-19 case record; two City Council members test positive for virus
By Jayed Rahman
Published: January 1, 2022
The number of Covid-19 cases in Paterson has set a fresh record on Friday, according to municipal health data.
Paterson reported 806 infections, setting a new record and topping the previous record that was set on Wednesday.
More than 600 people have died from Covid-19 in Paterson since the start pandemic.
Meanwhile, two members of the City Council have tested positive for Covid-19. Council president Maritza Davila and councilman Michael Jackson both tested positive for Covid-19, according to multiple sources.
Jackson said he tested positive “few weeks” ago. Davila did not respond to a request for comment.
Neither Jackson nor Davila have publicly mentioned their positive tests. Congressman Bill Pascrell tested positive for Covid-19 earlier in the week. Pascrell informed his constituents he had tested positive on Thursday despite receiving all three shots.
Davila held a large birthday party at the Brownstone just before Christmas that was attended by at least 200 people, according to those who attended the event.
Council members, who had been holding their meetings in-person since July, have switched back to meeting via Zoom. They held their December 29 close-out meeting via Zoom.
“I sent an email requesting a virtual meeting because of Covid numbers rising. Safety should be priority while we handle the city’s business,” said councilwoman Lilisa Mimms.
Mimms worried about the council meeting turning into a virus spreading event.