Top Coronavirus News Stories Of 2020 In Essex County – Patch.com
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County has been one of the hardest-hit areas of New Jersey during the coronavirus pandemic. But its residents have been resilient, and continue to push forward together against the ravages of COVID-19.
Case spikes and outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported across Essex County. “Our second wave has begun,” a top hospital executive said.
The toll hikes will be used to pay for a $24 billion capital improvement plan. Some are accusing officials of “hiding behind the pandemic.”
Coronavirus ‘Lockdown’ In Newark, Irvington, Orange, East Orange
The mayors of Newark, Orange, Irvington and East Orange are imploring people to stay at home. Those who don’t will be ticketed, they said.
Essex County Releases Plan To Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines
Vaccines for frontline health care workers have arrived in NJ. Here’s the plan when more doses arrive in Essex County.
‘Pandemic Profiteers’: Report Blasts NJ Companies, Billionaires
New Jersey’s richest have gotten richer during the COVID-19 crisis. So have these companies with big Garden State footprints, a report says.
DeCamp Bus Lines In NJ Suspends Service, Blames COVID Struggles
North Jersey commuters who use DeCamp buses will have to find a different way to get to New York City.
Stuck In Jail During A Pandemic: Coronavirus Hits NJ Prisons
New Jersey is preparing to release up to 1,000 inmates. Some have been staging hunger strikes and begging to rejoin their families.
Newark Hospital Saves ‘Coding’ Girl Who Has Virus Antibodies
A 12-year old New Jersey girl almost lost her life to a blood clot. It may have been caused by the coronavirus, the hospital says. (VIDEOS)

Nursing Homes Skew Livingston Coronavirus Death Rate, Officials Say
Livingston is likely seeing a “disproportionately high” COVID-19 mortality rate because of its long-term care facilities, officials say.
Final Goodbyes Via FaceTime: Coronavirus At Clara Maass Hospital
Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville is using technology to help the families of dying coronavirus patients connect with loved ones.
NJIT Finds Coronavirus In Sewage As Entire Dorm Quarantined
NJIT in Newark quarantined hundreds of students after finding traces of the virus in their fecal matter.
Drone Video Captures Inspiring Tribute At Clara Maass Hospital
A caravan of police, fire and EMS workers offered a touching show of support to health care workers at Clara Maass hospital in Belleville.
Workers At Saint Barnabas Hospital Earn ‘Heroes Salute’ (VIDEOS)
It began with a bagpipe call and ended with a resounding “thank you” for those on the coronavirus frontline.
Error Causes 458 ‘Inconclusive’ Coronavirus Tests In Essex County
The free COVID-19 virus tests were done at county-run events in West Orange, Roseland, Livingston, Newark and Maplewood.
Coronavirus Took East Orange Councilman ‘To The Brink’ And Back
Mustafa Al-M. Brent, who also serves as a firefighter in Newark, says he’s on the mend after being hospitalized for COVID-19.
Watch Rousing Cheers, Tears For Recovering Essex County Prison CO
Andrew Crooks spent nearly two months in the hospital with COVID-19, including a harrowing 32 days hooked up to a ventilator.
Coronavirus Is Exposing Racial Gaps In NJ, Newark Advocates Say
Black and Latino/Latina communities in New Jersey face unique challenges due to COVID-19, a Newark-based social justice group says.
United Airlines May Lay Off 36K Despite $5 Billion In Federal Aid
Tens of thousands of United Airlines employees could soon find themselves out of a job due to the financial impact of the coronavirus.
Popular Maplewood Bar Closes With Note: ‘The Pandemic Killed Us’
After closing due to coronavirus, owners of The Cassidy in NJ encouraged fans to visit their other eatery in an 1847 farmhouse in Gladstone.
NJ Woman Found After Positive Coronavirus Test, Disappearing
A woman tested positive for COVID-19 at an East Orange hospital. She gave a fake name and a Newark address, authorities said.
School Reopening Is ‘Unsafe,’ Essex County Teachers Union Says
“The risk to the health and safety of our students and staff is too high,” the 12,000 members of the Essex County Education Association say.
Evictions Continue In Newark Despite COVID Freeze, Advocates Say
“I was grossly unprepared for this,” a longtime Newark resident said. “I feel like I whacked a tree at 70 mph.”
Fed-Up NJ Hairdressers, Barbers Rally In Verona: ‘Let Us Reopen’
It wasn’t about politics, organizers say. Here’s their proposal to “safely and legally” reopen salons and barbershops amid the COVID crisis.

Protect NJ Food, Retail Workers In Coronavirus, Advocates Demand
“Many of us are afraid to speak up because we believe employers will fire us if we report hazards,” a delivery driver in New Jersey said.
Protesters Defy Coronavirus Lockdown In Newark, Keep Heat On ICE
Newark officials said “stay at home.” These protesters refused to obey. Here’s why they defied a citywide COVID-19 lockdown.
Wawa Opens In Belleville; COVID Can’t Stop 3rd Essex County Store
VIDEO: It was a unique grand opening for Wawa in Belleville. Other Essex County stores are located in Maplewood and Fairfield.
Millburn/Short Hills Parents Petition Against Online Reopening
The prestigious New Jersey school district reopened with no on-site options, citing a lack of staff.
Essential Workers At 5 NJ Buildings Strike: ‘Can’t Make A Living’
Workers at buildings in East Orange and other towns say they’re being put at risk amid the coronavirus crisis.
NJ’s Richest Not Paying Fair Share For COVID Recovery, Groups Say
Worried about the cost of fighting the coronavirus in New Jersey? Make millionaires and giant corporations pay more, these advocates say.
Black-Owned Movie Theater In Essex County Thrives Amid Pandemic
Moonlight Cinema, a drive-in movie theater in Essex County, shows films made by African American creators and actors.
Nutley ShopRite Reportedly ‘Cleaned Out’ As Coronavirus Hits NJ
Empty shelves and long lines were reportedly seen at a Nutley supermarket as the state continues to cope with COVID-19.
Bottle King Reopens NJ Stores, But Some Workers Fear For Lives
It’s easy to reopen in a viral outbreak when you’re not the one working the cash register, these New Jersey liquor store employees say.
Newark Cops Shut Down Massive Flash Mob Amid Pandemic (VIDEO)
“Hundreds of people from other towns thought they could come into our city and take over our streets. They were sadly mistaken.”
Authorities Shut Down Cuban Pete’s Restaurant In Montclair
A Montclair restaurant owner accused of repeatedly defying the state’s coronavirus orders has been locked out of his business, reports say.
Newark Nurse Gets ‘Clap Out’ From Peers After Beating Coronavirus
It wasn’t long ago that Mary Koch was a COVID-19 inpatient. Watch a video of her emotional discharge from the hospital.
NJ Needs To Step Up For Bus Riders In COVID Pandemic, Report Says
There’s a good chance that the next essential employee you lean on during the coronavirus crisis will be taking a bus to their job.
Steaks, Pretzels, Music: COVID Shutdown Ravages Nutley Businesses
Nutley businesses continue to struggle amid the coronavirus crisis. Some have already shut their doors for good.
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