NEWARK – Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose have announced that within the first two days of Mayor Baraka’s recommended 10-day lockdown, the City’s COVID-19 Task Force has issued 8 summonses to businesses found in violation of Governor Murphy’s Executive Order to stem the spread of COVID-19.
“Because the number of residents who have tested COVID-19 positive has been on the rise in our City, it’s important that we take every precaution to protect our neighbors and visitors,” Mayor Baraka said. “And while we strongly support our business owners, unfortunately there are still some who have refused to abide by the Governor’s Order. It’s our responsibility to hold those businesses accountable for their actions.”
“First, I want to thank the COVID-19 Task Force – comprising Newark Police, Firefighters and members of Code Enforcement – for risking their own lives and working tirelessly on the frontlines to ensure that we reduce the spread of this horrible virus. Their bravery is saving the lives of Newark residents,” Director Ambrose said. “It’s amazing to me that some of these businesses put wealth over health.”
The business summonses issued were authorized by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Director Ambrose explained. “All those cited were found not wearing masks and other PPE while serving customers,” he said. “These businesses showed a total disregard for spreading the virus.”
Mayor Baraka’s recommendation that City of Newark residents follow a 10-day lockdown began on November 25th and will continue through December 4th. This recommendation came as a result of a 41 percent positive COVID-19 rate in the East Ward and a 21 percent rate citywide, which is twice the rate of the entire State of New Jersey. It followed Governor Murphy’s Executive Order, issued on November 16, decreasing indoor and outdoor gathering limits. “We cannot risk a continual spread of COVID-19 in our community,” Mayor Baraka said. “We cannot go back where we were in April and May. But what we can do is urge everyone to be responsible, cautious, and think of the greater good. People’s lives depend on this,” he added.
