Full Notification

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announces that 228 summonses for violations of the Executive Order to stop the spread of COVID-19 were issued and that nine non-essential businesses were closed yesterday.

“The Executive Order is aimed at keeping people safe,” Director Ambrose said. “We are enforcing the order to save lives, but it’s a shame that we have to issue summonses and close non-essential businesses because some people are not taking this health emergency seriously.”

On March 31st the previous shelter-in-place order was expanded, calling for the enforcement of a complete lockdown of the City of Newark for seven days. This announcement included a joint lockdown agreement with the neighboring cities of East Orange, Orange and Irvington. Under this lockdown operation, non-essential and non-emergency travel is barred on the streets of each town and violators face summonses and other legal action. The lockdown operation will be re-evaluated by the mayors of the four towns on April 7th.

“We urge our residents and any non-essential people who are planning to come into the city to stay home,” Director Ambrose added. “As always, our goal is public safety. COVID-19 poses a credible threat to the safety of our residents and visitors and we are issuing summonses and closing down businesses who are not in compliance.”

Newark police are conducing mobile patrols to assist people in practicing social distancing.

To report COVID-19 violations, please call: 973-733-6000.