Mayor Ras J. Baraka today signed an Executive Order amid a spike in new COVID-19 cases and the emergence of the Omicron variant. The Mayoral order goes into effect today, Monday, December 20.

Under the Executive Order, all residents and visitors must wear a face mask at all times while indoors at any public facility in the city. Additionally, patrons must be seated while at a bar and wear masks, unless the individual is actively eating or drinking. Additional mitigation measures will be taken if the city’s test positivity rate reaches 15 percent or higher for three consecutive test periods.

“We are still in the midst of a pandemic and need to take whatever steps are necessary to safeguard and best ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our residents,” said Mayor Baraka. “I urge residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Get vaccinated and tested, especially during this holiday season, as we gather and spend more time with family and friends.”

In recent weeks, the city has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases, with 47,272 positive cases to date. Newark’s test positivity rate, using a three-day rolling average is 11.89 percent as of December 14.

The City also strongly advises that all school staff and students be tested before they return to school after the holiday break.

To view Executive Order NO. MEO-21-0009, click here.