Newark Mayor Is Cautious On Youth Sports: 'Science, Not Pressure'

NEWARK, NJ — When it comes to Newark’s youth, choices will be made based on “science,” not “pressure,” the city’s mayor says.

On Monday, Mayor Ras Baraka said that Newark is being cautious about sports activities for kids and teens amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“Come the second week in September, we will reassess our COVID-19 data and make a determination of what youth sports can be allowed safely,” Baraka said.

“We are going to base this on science and not on pressure,” he added. “This is about saving lives and these decisions will not be taken lightly.”

Baraka said Newark’s youth are especially vulnerable to the disease.

“According to CDC statistics, in the U.S., 76 percent of the COVID-19 cases among children are those from black and brown communities,” Baraka said. “In Newark, it is known that we are a primarily black and brown community, and we need to take the strongest measures possible to protect our children from a virus that has already taken so many lives.”

“We are doing everything necessary to reduce risks to our youth and situations where they may be exposed,” the mayor said.

• See related article: Coronavirus Hitting NJ Minority, Immigrant Communities Hard
• See related article: Coronavirus Is Exposing Racial Gaps In NJ, Advocates Say

The coronavirus has been hard on New Jersey’s largest city. As of Friday, Newark has seen 8,492 confirmed cases with 661 deaths linked to the disease, according to municipal statistics. See a breakdown by age, gender and race here.

The Newark Public School District has decided to start the year with all-remote classes. Instruction will stay virtual-only until at least November due to the pandemic.

• See related article: Newark Public Schools Will Stay Remote Until November (UPDATED)
• See related article: Child Care, WiFi Gap Among Worries As Newark Schools Go Remote

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