Newark Coronavirus Crackdown: 8 Businesses Cited In 2 Days

NEWARK, NJ — Newark’s coronavirus task force handed out eight tickets to businesses that allegedly violated state COVID-19 safety rules last week, authorities said.

Workers were spotted serving customers without face masks and personal protective equipment on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26, Newark officials announced Saturday.

The summonses were given out during the first two days of Mayor Ras Baraka’s voluntary, 10-day “stay at home” advisory for local residents and businesses, which began Nov. 25 and ends Dec. 4. READ MORE: Newark Mayor Wants People To 'Stay At Home' Because Of COVID-19

In Newark, nonessential businesses are currently required to close at 8 p.m. daily, which was cleared under a recent executive order from Gov. Phil Murphy. Restaurants and bars must close their indoor service at 8 p.m. and outdoor service at 11 p.m. READ MORE: Newark Puts Several Neighborhoods Under Coronavirus Curfews

“It’s amazing to me that some of these businesses put wealth over health,” Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said, adding that they “showed a total disregard for spreading the virus.”

“Because the number of residents who have tested COVID-19 positive has been on the rise in our city, it’s important that we take every precaution to protect our neighbors and visitors,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

Baraka said that while the city “strongly supports its business owners,” there are still some who have unfortunately refused to abide by executive orders from Gov. Phil Murphy, including the order issued earlier this month that decreased indoor and outdoor gathering limits.

“It’s our responsibility to hold those businesses accountable for their actions,” Baraka said.

The business summonses issued were authorized by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. The city’s COVID-19 task force is comprised of Newark police, firefighters and members of the code enforcement department.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Keep updated with local public safety alerts at the Patch Newark Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.