Newark Will End Some Coronavirus Curfews, Relax Indoor Rules

NEWARK, NJ — Newark will temporarily end some of its coronavirus curfews and loosen its indoor rules for local businesses starting on Friday, officials said.

The city’s announcement comes a day after Gov. Phil Murphy said the state is relaxing its indoor COVID-19 regulations, which were rolled out in November 2020. Read More: Murphy To Loosen NJ's Indoor COVID-19 Rules

On Thursday, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka issued a two-week executive order that starts Friday, Feb. 5 and continues through Friday, Feb. 19.

All residential curfews issued in earlier executive orders for specific zip codes will be rescinded, officials said.

• See related article: Coronavirus Curfew Extended In Newark As Cases Rise

What do the new policies mean for Newark businesses? According to city officials:

“Under the mayoral order, indoor capacity is raised to 35 percent, up to a maximum of 150 people. Masks must be worn at all times, including in restaurants and other eating establishments, except while eating or drinking. There shall be no sitting at bars in restaurants, social clubs, or other entertainment venues and no indoor parties whatsoever. Nonessential businesses must close by 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 11 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.”

The city will deploy inspectors to ensure that the executive order is followed. The order will be reviewed on Feb. 19, officials said.

Newark’s test-positivity rate, using a three-day rolling average is 15 percent as of Jan. 23.

According to Essex County’s latest update, Newark has seen 27,712 cumulative COVID-19 cases and 833 deaths linked to the disease as of Thursday.

“We are working to give our residents and businesses hope during this challenging time, expand opportunities to shop and dine outside of the home, and strengthen our economy for our entrepreneurs,” Baraka said, commenting on the new policies.

“We will closely monitor the COVID-19 situation, and if cases go back up, we will return to more stringent guidelines,” Baraka said. “For now, I urge residents to stay vigilant, wear double masks, practice social distancing and wash their hands frequently.”

• See related article: Here's Where Newark Residents Can Get COVID Vaccine

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