NEWARK – An excessive spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey’s largest city has prompted its chief elected official to make a stunning announcement.
In an interview with WBGO 88.3 FM on “Newark Today,” Mayor Ras Baraka announced that starting Wednesday, Nov. 25 until at least Dec. 4, Newark will be under a 10-day shelter-in-place order, with residents urged not to make any nonessential travel. Residents are urged only to leave their homes for essential purposes, such as getting tested for coronavirus.
“Do not go outside if you don’t have to. Don’t mingle with other people if you don’t have to,” Baraka told host Michael Hill. “Stay to your family in your immediate household. This thing has been hitting families, so a lot of families should be quarantining anyway.”
Also, the 07105 zip code area – Newark’s East Ward / Ironbound – will be subject to road closures. The Department of Public Safety and the Ambassador Unit will close streets leading into the East Ward to control the spread of COVID-19 beginning at 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Nov. 20, 2020 (tonight) and Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. Residents who live in the affected area will be allowed to travel to address essential needs. Proof of area residency or proof that an essential need is being addressed will be required. The Ambassador Unit is comprised of Newark Police and clergy members.
