Following the recommendations from Governor John Carney and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Newark City Council approved an emergency ordinance aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. The ordinance will be automatically sunset in 60 days unless extended by Council through normal ordinance procedure. The terms of the ordinance are:
- Effective immediately, all private social gatherings, as defined in Section 23-14 shall be strictly limited to no more than ten (10) attendees. The fines for violations of Amendment 1 shall be pursuant to Section 23-20;
- Effective immediately, law enforcement Officers within Newark are hereby directed to order the immediate dispersal of groups of ten (10) or more persons congregating along the streets and sidewalks of Newark, and take appropriate action against those that disregard said order of dispersal;
- Effective immediately, all restaurants, taverns and bars within the City of Newark shall only provide food and beverage service through take-out, drive through and off premises delivery. No indoor or outdoor seating for food and beverage service, including the use of outdoor patios, is permitted. Fines for violations of Amendment 3 shall be pursuant to either State Code or Newark Code Section 7- 1(g).
- Effective immediately, all solicitation permits are suspended, including charitable solicitations. A refund for the permit payment for the period of suspensions shall be given.
The City will offer free parking in all municipal lots and metered spaces on Main Street will be free, but with a 15-minute time limit to be used to quickly pick up items and meals from local retailers and restaurants. The 15-minute time limit will be enforced by the City to ensure parking availability.
To view other modifications made to City operations, visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.