Essex County Executive, Sheriff Recovering From Coronavirus

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. and Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura are recovering from bouts with the new coronavirus, authorities say.

DiVincenzo and Fontoura each reported they tested positive for COVID-19 several weeks ago.

• See related article: 2 High-Ranking Essex County Officials Have Coronavirus

DiVincenzo previously said he’d been self-quarantining since March 21.

“So far, my symptoms have been mild, and I have been feeling alright,” the county executive said. “By working remotely, I have not allowed this virus to prevent me from serving our communities and the residents of Essex County.”

On Sunday, Newark public safety officials congratulated DiVincenzo on his recovery.

“It’s great to have you back at the county’s helm,” Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said. “So glad you beat that horrible virus!”

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

‘WELL ON THE WAY TO FULL RECOVERY’

Fontoura said he tested positive for COVID-19 on March 29, and was confining himself to his home in Fairfield.

"This thing is not going to take me down," he said. "I've been around too long."

On Sunday, Fontoura offered an update on his condition.

"I take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of my friends, neighbors and partners in law enforcement and government for their well wishes via emails, text messages and telephone calls as I continue to recover from COVID-19. I am especially grateful for all their prayers. While the past two weeks have been very difficult, my doctors tell me I am well on the way to full recovery. I will spend the next few days working, as I have been, from home. I am eager to rejoin our department's valiant officers on the front lines of this deadly pandemic and, hopefully, that will happen this week. I send my prayers and condolences to all who have been impacted by this scourge and, I again, thank all of you who have stood in my corner."

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