Newark Coronavirus Update: Masks, Deaths, Summonses

NEWARK, NJ — Wear a face mask and gloves if you go outside, Newark officials are now advising, as the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 continues to spread in the city.

On Tuesday morning, Essex County released updated COVID-19 numbers for Newark: 1,689 cases and 65 deaths. Both totals are the highest in the county.

READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here's What You Need To Know)

As a citywide lockdown continues, Newark authorities are ordering residents to stay at home and come out for "emergency purposes only." All non-essential and non-emergency travel is barred on the streets of these communities for the duration of the lockdown, which is due for reassessment on Tuesday, officials said.

• See related article: Coronavirus 'Lockdown' In Newark, Irvington, Orange, East Orange

According to a city bulletin from Monday:

“This virus has caused more deaths than the flu and can be spread more easily than the flu. You can now get it by people breathing and talking near you. This is why it’s essential that you don’t leave the house and wear a mask (and gloves) if you do. Advocate for others to do the same. The people in the stores need to have on masks. If workers don’t have them on, ask to speak to management. If you walk into somewhere and they don’t have them on, leave.”

Newark officials continued:

“Wear a mask; the city is going to give out some (cloth face covers). Wear anything on your face (bandanas, shirt, anything for protection)… We all need to be our best selves. We’re going to make it – our families, our city. Protect your family—stay home and practice social distancing.”

SUMMONSES ISSUED IN NEWARK

On Monday, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose announced that 824 summonses for violations of the executive order to stop the spread of COVID-19 were issued last week.

In addition, 44 non-essential businesses were closed, Ambrose said.

“We’ve stepped up our enforcement efforts to keep people safe,” Ambrose said. “Those individuals and businesses who are not taking this health emergency seriously are being addressed to promote public safety throughout the City of Newark.”

“Our commitment is to safeguard our residents and visitors against COVID-19 exposure,” Ambrose continued. “Educating the public about the executive order is an important first step, but when individuals and businesses blatantly violate the order aimed at keeping people safe, we have to execute enforcement. We are also encouraging people to use masks in public.”

No summonses were issued to motorists as part of last week’s executive order enforcement, police said.

Newark police are conducting patrols to assist people in practicing social distancing. To report COVID-19 violations, call: 973-733-6000.

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