New restrictions are in place in East Orange following an increase in COVID-19 cases, with the announcement coming from Mayor Ted Green, who says he has tested positive.

The mayor says nonessential businesses in East Orange have to close at 8 p.m. Others have to close at 10 p.m., with the exception of drive-up or pick-up services.

Mayor Green believes he was exposed to the virus in the days after Thanksgiving following the death of his father, and after testing positive over the weekend, his doctor admitted him to East Orange General Hospital for oversight. He will also quarantine for two weeks.

The mayor's mother died back in March, and he has made it a priority to keep neighbors safe during the pandemic. His administration has put in place emergency food distributions and streamed weekly town hall meetings to help residents and keep them informed.

The mayor says, "I want people to understand that this virus is no joke. I'll be the first one to admit that I was in denial and didn't think it could happen to me. East Orange, we may not like it, but this is what we have to do to protect ourselves and each other. Don't ever take your health for granted. No one is exempt from this virus. I have been fortunate to not experience any symptoms, but I have witnessed firsthand how rapidly this virus can turn a seemingly healthy person into a person fighting to breathe. We have to take it seriously. We can't afford to do anything less.”