Nearly one year after the City of Newark’s first confirmed case of COVID-19, it continues to be a contagious, and at times fatal, respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
On March 9, 2020, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 103, declaring a Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency, due to the spread of COVID-19; Mayor Baraka declared a State of Emergency in the City of Newark on March 12, 2020; and the City of Newark had its first confirmed case on March 14, 2020 and first death of a Newark resident from COVID-19 on March 18, 2020.
Since March 18, 2020, the Mayor signed approximately 18 Executive Orders in 2020, setting forth restrictions and protocols in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19, and to provide some economic relief to Newark businesses.
In prior Executive Orders, there were protocols for outdoor dining, the COVID-19 Winter Outdoor Dining Requirements (through March 31, 2021) and Holiday Plan (through January 8, 2021), because our positive COVID-19 test numbers continued to increase. Additionally, the curfews imposed remained in effect to February 1, 2021 through MEO-21-0001 (the most recent curfew extension) to continue to stem the spread of the virus and to save lives.
On January 12, 2021, the Mayor issued MEO-21-0002 which established a 30 day suspension for towing of all unregistered vehicles and the vehicles of individuals with expired licenses – vehicles could be towed if they were in or created a dangerous condition or were involved in criminal activity.
On February 3, 2021, following Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 219, the Mayor issued MEO-21-0003 increasing indoor capacity limits at businesses and other establishments from 25% to 35%, up to a maximum of 150 people, effective February 5, 2021.
With the overall rate of positive COVID-19 cases in the State slowly decreasing and the majority of citizens and establishments following the protocols, taking the necessary precautions such as social distancing, frequent hand washing and wearing masks to protect themselves and each other;
On February 23, 2021, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 225 which provides for greater capacity at religious indoor activities and also sets forth protocols for the gradual opening of sports and entertainment venues, and indoor/outdoor sports activities; and
Following Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 225, the City of Newark implements the same or similar guidelines to provide its residents with the ability to resume some prior activities, while still taking the necessary precautions as governed by the science to keep individuals safe. We must also extend the timeframes imposed for increased indoor capacity limits for businesses and extend the suspension on towing in MEO-21-0002 and MEO-21-0003, respectively.
The following is part of MEO-21-0005, ordered by Mayor Ras J. Baraka.
1. Indoor Religious Services: The number of individuals at indoor gatherings that are religious in nature (i.e. church, mosque or temple services, prayer meetings, weddings, funerals, memorial services, etc.) shall be limited to no more than fifty percent (50%) of the capacity of the room where the gathering is held. Executive Orders shall continue to enforce social distancing and wearing face masks at all services. This is effective immediately.
2. Sports and Entertainment Venues (Indoor): This includes stadiums, arenas, performance halls, concert venues – with a seating capacity of 5,000 seats or greater – that have opened their indoor areas/spaces to the public, may permit patrons, customers, members of the public up to a maximum of 10% of the stated maximum capacity of the room where the event is held. Such venues shall continue to adhere to applicable Executive Orders and shall continue to enforce social distancing and wearing face masks at all events. All attendees at the event are required to sit/stand six feet apart, from other attendees at all times except for individuals that reserve or purchase tickets together as a group may sit together as a group or party but must sit/stand six feet away from any other individual or group in all directions. All protocols for sports and entertainment venues as well as athletic competitions are effective March 1, 2021.
3. Sports and Entertainment Venues (Outdoor): This includes stadiums, arenas, performance halls, concert venues – with a seating capacity of 5,000 seats or greater – that have opened their outdoor areas/spaces to the public, may permit patrons, customers, members of the public up to a maximum of fifteen percent (15%) of the capacity of the outdoor area where the event is held. Such venues shall continue to adhere to applicable Executive Orders and shall continue to enforce social distancing and wearing face masks at all events. All attendees at the event are required to sit/stand six feet apart, from other attendees at the event except individuals that reserve or purchase tickets together may sit together as a group of party but must sit/stand six feet away from any other individual or group in all directions.
4. Collegiate Athletic, Youth and Professional Practices and Competitions (Indoor): Subject to the existing indoor gathering limit of 10 individuals – athletes, coaches, trainers, referees, and other personnel required or necessary for the athletic event are not included in this limitation. Operators or coaches of such sports activities may permit up to two (2) parents/guardians per athlete participating in the practice or competition to attend the event. These two parents/guardians will be deemed necessary for the practice or competition. The number of individuals present inside the room where the indoor collegiate athletic practice/competition takes place may not exceed 35% of the capacity of the room and such limit may not exceed 150 persons, except that individuals necessary for the event may exceed the 150-person limit. In no case shall the number of persons, inclusive of parents and/or guardians, exceed the 35% capacity of the room. Individuals shall continue to adhere to applicable Executive Orders and shall continue to social distance and wear facemasks. This shall apply to all indoor sporting events including collegiate, youth and professional competitions that take place in venues with a seating capacity of 5,000 persons or greater.
5. Collegiate Athletic, Youth and Professional Practices and Competitions (Outdoor): Collegiate athletic practices and competitions conducted outdoors are subject to the existing outdoor gathering limit of 25 individuals – athletes, coaches, trainers, referees, and other personnel required or necessary for the athletic event are not included in this limitation. Operators or coaches of such sports activities may permit up to two (2) parents/guardians per athlete participating in the practice or competition to attend the event. These two parents/guardians will be deemed necessary for the practice or competition. Individuals shall continue to adhere to applicable Executive Orders and shall continue to social distance and wear facemasks. This shall apply to all outdoor sporting events including collegiate, youth and professional competitions that take place in venues with a seating capacity of 5,000 persons or greater.
6. The 30 day suspension for towing of all unregistered vehicles and vehicles of individuals with expired licenses, issued in MEO-21-0002, is extended an additional three (3) weeks to March 5, 2021.
7. The increase in indoor capacity limits at businesses and other establishments from 25% to 35%, up to a maximum of 150 people, issued in MEO-21-0003, is extended an additional two (2) weeks to March 5, 2021.
These protocols are subject to change based upon the City’s positive COVID-19 cases and/or rate of cases.
The complete Executive Order is on file with the City Clerk.
