2 High-Ranking Essex County Officials Have Coronavirus

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A pair of high-ranking public officials in Essex County have tested positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, authorities say.

On Wednesday, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. announced that he has tested positive for the virus.

DiVincenzo released the following statement about his diagnosis and symptoms:

“Today I learned that I tested positive for the coronavirus. I decided to get tested after experiencing a fever for several days and have been self-quarantined since March 21. So far, my symptoms have been mild, and I have been feeling alright. By working remotely, I have not allowed this virus to prevent me from serving our communities and the residents of Essex County. I implore everyone to practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, limit your movements in public and stay home. We are in the midst of a public health crisis. The prudent actions we take now will determine how severe the impacts of the coronavirus will be later.”

DiVincenzo’s announcement came just days after Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura said he tested positive for the coronavirus. Fontoura, 76, told NJ.com that he tested positive on Sunday and is confining himself to his home in Fairfield.

“This thing is not going to take me down,” he said. “I’ve been around too long.”

Watch Fontoura’s interview with NJTV News here.

• See related article: 288 In NJ Law Enforcement Positive For Coronavirus

As of Wednesday morning, Essex County had a total of 1,900 positive cases of COVID-19, the second-highest total in the state behind Bergen County, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. (See five places to get tested for the new coronavirus in Essex County)

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

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