COVID Vaccine Mandate For Newark Businesses Begins, Will Last Until February

NEWARK, NJ — Newark’s coronavirus vaccine mandate for businesses kicked off Monday. It will last until at least Feb. 1, when city officials plan to take a look at its “impact and effectiveness.”

The city is requiring all customers 5 and up to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter many restaurants, stores and other businesses. The order took effect on Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve events; local businesses had another 10 days to prepare for the next phase of the mandate.

There are some exemptions, including houses of worship, grocery stores, medical offices and “retail establishments where people tend to be in motion,” such as hardware stores. See a list of affected businesses here.

>> Read More: Newark Will Require Vaccine Proof To Enter Many Businesses, Bars

“Most recently, our three-day test positivity rate has risen to more than 36 percent and we can’t afford for COVID-19 to exponentially spread throughout our community if everyone is not vaccinated,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“We know that the vaccine is another form of protection and although it may not stop someone from contracting the virus, it can keep you from being hospitalized,” Baraka said. “We will continue to be guided by data, and will continue to do what is necessary to prevent further spread to protect the people of Newark, those who work here, and visit.”

Establishments affected by the executive order must put up signs at their entrances that notify the public about the vaccination entry requirement.

Under the order, face masks are also still required at all times for all residents and visitors over the age of 2-years-old while indoors at any public facility in the City of Newark. Additionally, all patrons must be seated at a bar and wear masks unless they are actually eating or drinking.

• See related article: Masks Are Back: Newark Indoor Mandate Returns As COVID Spikes
• See related article: Newark City Worker Vaccine Mandate Survives Court Challenge
• See related article: 2021 COVID Stats For Newark (See Weekly Case, Death Totals)

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