East Orange Closes Skate Park After Youth Seen Without Masks

EAST ORANGE, NJ — The City of East Orange closed a local skate park after a “large number” of youth were seen not wearing face masks, officials announced Friday.

City officials posted the following message about the closure on social media:

“Due to a large number of skaters not wearing masks as required and to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread, the East Orange Skate Park is now closed to the public, effective immediately. Memorial Park remains open for exercise and other outdoor activities. To report violators, please call EOPD Tips Hotline at 973-266-5041.”

“Legit,” one commenter wrote on Facebook. “Just drove past and [there were] people there.”

Like other towns and cities in Essex County, East Orange has been hit hard by the coronavirus.

Earlier this week, Mayor Ted Green announced that he tested positive for COVID-19. Green urged residents not to take their health for granted.

"I want people to understand that this virus is no joke," Green said. "I'll be the first one to admit that I was in denial and didn't think it could happen to me."

• See related article: East Orange Mayor Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Will Quarantine

As of Tuesday, there were 3,110 positive cases of COVID-19 in the city and 242 deaths linked to the disease, with a nearly 250 percent increase in positive cases between September to December, officials said.

East Orange has a population of 64,367, according to the U.S. Census' most recent estimates.

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