Brooklyn Council Member Inez Barron Tests Positive For COVID-19

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — A second City Council member tested positive for the new coronavirus as the virus spreads across New York City.

Inez Barron, who represents East New York and swath of other Brooklyn neighborhoods, announced the diagnosis Thursday. She had already been in self-quarantine after her husband, state Assembly Member Charles Barron, tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend.

"I join each and every one of my colleagues in praying for the speedy recovery of our friend and colleague Inez and her husband Charles," wrote City Council Speaker Corey Johnson in a statement. "Inez has served the people of Brooklyn with distinction for years and I am certain she cannot wait to get back to work on behalf of her constituents."

Council Member Ritchie Torres this week became the first councilor to test positive for the virus.

Johnson wrote in a statement that other council members and their staffs were informed. City staff will continue additional cleaning measures at City Hall and government offices at 250 offices, which have both been closed since Monday, he wrote.

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