CITY OF NEWARK      NO.:  MEO-21-0003

EXECUTIVE ORDER         DATE:  02/04/2021   

 

WHEREAS, Coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) is a contagious, and at times fatal, respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus; and 

WHEREAS, Governor Phillip D. Murphy of the State of New Jersey (“Governor Murphy”) issued Executive Order 103, declaring a Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency on March 9, 2020, due to the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, I declared a State of Emergency in the City of Newark on March 12, 2020; and

WHEREAS, on March 14, 2020, the City of Newark confirmed its first case of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, given the serious health concerns posed by COVID-19, on March 15, 2020, I signed Executive Order MEO-20-0001, adopted by reference herein, which set forth the facts and circumstances surrounding COVID-19; and  

WHEREAS, Executive Order MEO-20-0001, among other things, established a grace period of sixty (60) days for residents to pay for certain municipal services, as well as placed a temporary moratorium on all residential evictions; and

WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020, the City of Newark confirmed its first death of a Newark resident from COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020, I announced further measures to address the threat of COVID-19 in the City, including but not limited to, closing all non-essential businesses and introducing a mandatory curfew after 8:00 P. M.; and

WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020, I signed Executive Order MEO-20-0002, adopted by reference herein, which set forth temporary restrictions based on the City of Newark confirming its first case and first death from COVID-19; and 

WHEREAS, since March 18, 2020, I have signed approximately eighteen (18) Executive Orders, all adopted by reference herein, which have set forth restrictions and protocols in our effort to stem the spread of this deadly virus, and to provide some economic relief to Newark businesses; and

WHEREAS, in prior Executive Orders, I implemented protocols for outdoor dining, the COVID-19 Winter Outdoor Dining Requirements, (effective through March 31, 2021) and Holiday Plan (effective through January 8, 2021), because our positive COVID-19 test numbers continued to increase; and 

WHEREAS, in MEO-20-0016, MEO-20-0016 (Amended) I set forth that the curfews imposed through MEO-20-0014, MEO-20-0015 and MEO-20-0015 (Amended) would remain in effect through December 17, 2020; and 

WHEREAS, because the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the City continued to rise, in MEO-20-0018, I extended the curfews to January 4, 2021 (First Curfew Extension) and again to February 1, 2021 in MEO-21-0001 (Second Curfew Extension) to stem the spread of the virus and to save lives; and 

WHEREAS, on February 3, 2021, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 219 which increases indoor capacity limits at businesses and other establishments from 25% to 35% effective February 5, 2021; and

WHEREAS, given the State’s relaxation in capacity limits, the City of Newark needs to take similar steps to help spur the economic growth of Newark businesses and establishments yet provide the appropriate guidance to continue the fight against the COVID-19 virus 

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED BY RAS J. BARAKA, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY THAT: 

1. Non-essential businesses must close by 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
2. Indoor capacity limits for businesses, including restaurants and eating establishments, is raised from 25% to 35% capacity, up to a maximum of 150 people, excluding employees.
3. Masks must be worn at all events.
4. Masks must be worn at all times in restaurants and eating establishments unless eating and/or drinking.
5. There shall be no sitting at bars in restaurants, social clubs, entertainment venues, etc.
6. There shall be no indoor parties whatsoever.
7. There shall be no live bands performing/playing after 10:00 p.m.
8. Dinner Music is allowed during dining until 10:00 p.m.
9. All curfews issued in earlier Executive Orders for specific zip codes are rescinded.

The above protocols shall be effective February 5, 2021 and shall remain in effect for two (2) weeks. 

These protocols are subject to change based upon the City’s positive COVID-19 cases and/or rate of cases.

 

THE SIGNED EXECUTIVE ORDER SHALL REMAIN IN THE CUSTODY OF THE CITY CLERK.  CERTIFIED COPIES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.