Newark Mayor Positive For COVID: 'No Symptoms At All,' Baraka Says

NEWARK, NJ -- Another high-profile politician in Newark has tested positive for the coronavirus within a week: Mayor Ras Baraka.

Baraka released the following statement on Wednesday:

"I tested positive for COVID yesterday and thankfully my wife and son tested negative. By the grace of God I'm okay and have no symptoms at all. I'm going to retest on Friday and Monday as well, and I thank everyone for your well wishes. Please wear your masks and get vaccinated!"

On Monday, Baraka announced that Newark is bringing back its indoor face mask mandate amid a "spike in new COVID-19 cases" and the "emergence of the omicron variant." Read More: Masks Are Back: Newark Indoor Mandate Returns As COVID Spikes

The mayor spoke more about the city's ongoing efforts to beat back the virus in his Wednesday COVID-19 update (watch video below).

On Sunday, another Newark resident - U.S. Sen. Cory Booker - announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19. Read More: Sen. Cory Booker Of NJ Says He Has Breakthrough COVID Case

"Fortunately, my symptoms are relatively mild," the senator said. "I'm beyond grateful to have received two doses of vaccine and, more recently, a booster -- I'm certain that without them I would be doing much worse. I encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and boosted."

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