Vaccine Checks ‘Suggested’ For Visits At Senior Buildings In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — Newark officials are recommending that senior apartment buildings in the city create a strict visitation policy amid the coronavirus crisis. And that can include checking for vaccine proof, Mayor Ras Baraka says.

On Tuesday, Baraka issued a message to local seniors on social media (watch the video below).

According to the mayor, the city recently sent a letter to owners and managers of local senior buildings. Baraka said the letter recommends – “and recommends only” – that they create an official visitation policy for their buildings.

“We are recommending that there is a strenuous policy around visitation,” Baraka said. “And we are recommending that when people come into those buildings, that they are in fact, vaccinated.”

Baraka left the door open as to what that might mean – and whether there could be exemptions – saying that building managers should create a policy, “even if they require folks to come in who have a negative test.”

Newark recently rolled out a vaccine mandate for customers who visit many businesses in the city. It has also brought back an indoor mask mandate.

• See related article: Newark Vaccine Mandate For Businesses Will Last Until February
• See related article: Masks Are Back; Newark Indoor Mandate Returns As COVID Spikes

“Over the past few months, the infection rate in the city of Newark has been increasing tremendously,” Baraka said.

Fortunately, those numbers are beginning to trend downward “very slowly,” he added.

It’s also fortunate that many seniors in the city have gotten a COVID-19 vaccine, Baraka said, advising that they also get a booster shot, especially if they’re immunocompromised.

Baraka said he was speaking online to help clear up any confusion surrounding the city’s letter.

“There have been a few mangers who have used this letter as an opportunity to suggest other things that the city didn’t advise or recommend,” he said. “Nothing in our letter talks about common spaces, it does not talk about your ability to use the laundry room … your ability to use the community room … your ability to come out of your apartment. We do not opine on any of those things at all.”

• See related article: Hospital Capacity In Newark Area (See Latest Numbers)
• See related article: Here’s Where To Get A Coronavirus Test Near Newark

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