Newark COVID Reopening: Curfew Loosened, Some Cookouts Allowed

NEWARK, NJ — Newark has begun a cautious, three-phase plan to reopen the city amid the coronavirus crisis.

The city’s plan will kick off slowly. Phase one began Monday and will run through June 14. The second phase will be from June 15 to 28, and the third runs from June 29 to July 12. The city's "new normal" will begin July 13. (See details about each phase below)

Under phase one, a citywide curfew will be extended from 8 to 9:30 p.m. The city is also allowing family cookouts for preferably 10, but up to 15 people, provided that there’s space for “proper social distancing,” face masks are worn and other sanitation guidelines are followed, such as not sharing utensils, plates and other items. Cookouts must end by 9 p.m., which will give people time to return home before curfew ends, officials said.

The city is also working on some online recreational options for children as the summer months begin, officials said.

Newark has also started to allow nonessential businesses to reopen. They need to apply for a permit; businesses can submit reopening applications here.

Curbside and in-store pickup guidelines include mandatory physical distancing, protective equipment, hygiene and cleaning, communications, and employee screening plus recommended best practices that follow recommendations of the CDC are included with the application.

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• See related article: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here's What You Need To Know)

GREEN, YELLOW AND RED: NEWARK’S REOPEN PLAN

As part of phase one, the city will roll out a color-coded system to "give people information they need to have to make informed choices about the risks," Mayor Ras Baraka previously said.

Businesses, restaurants, parks and other public places will be labeled by color, with red being the highest-risk area, yellow more moderate, and green the lowest-risk area.

• See related article: Newark Will Prepare To Reopen From Coronavirus Shutdown On June 1

Phases two and three will mean looser restrictions for residents and businesses, but for the near future, social distancing and wearing face masks and gloves will remain “the new normal,” Baraka said Monday.

“Our top priority is, and has always been, to save lives,” Baraka said. “Very careful consideration went into the development of these guidelines to help us safely reopen.”

However, if COVID-19 cases spike, the city may put the brakes on the reopening plan, according to Baraka.

“We are advancing,” the mayor said. “But we have to give ourselves room to retreat if necessary.”

As of June 2, there have been 7,291 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Newark, with 589 deaths linked to the disease, according to the city’s website, which lists additional data by gender, race and ward.

Here’s what each phase will mean for Newark, according to city officials. (See the full reopening plan here)

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