Looking To 2021 In Newark: Coronavirus, Schools, Business

NEWARK, NJ — 2020 was a year of tragedy, triumph and unpredictability. But all things must end and yield to new beginnings.

Here are three things to ponder as Newark moves forward into 2021.

COVID-19 VACCINES: WILL PEOPLE GET THEM?

In December, the first wave of COVID-19 vaccines began in Essex County. And while the general public isn't eligible to get the first of the two necessary shots yet, there are a range of frontline health care workers who can – and have already gotten theirs.

Newark residents who qualify will be able to get vaccinated at any of five Essex County sites. Newark residents may also eventually be able to get their shots at one of the COVID-19 vaccination sites planned to pop up across the state soon – including at Federally Qualified Health Centers, local ShopRite locations or doctor's offices.

• COVID-19 Vaccines Begin In Essex County (What You Need To Know)

But when vaccines become available to the general public, it remains to be seen whether Newark will achieve the 70 percent vaccination rate that state officials are hoping for within six months.

In November, Rutgers-Eagleton researchers released the results of a poll that tried to get a bead on the Garden State's current feelings about a COVID-19 vaccine. Between 36 percent and 47 percent of respondents said they "probably" or "definitely" won't get vaccinated against COVID-19.

• 2 In 5 NJ Residents Say They Won't Take Coronavirus Vaccine (Poll)
• Coronavirus Vaccine Trial Causing Fear In Newark, Some Say
• Newark Mayor: You Won't Be 'Forced' To Take COVID-19 Vaccine

A recent informal Patch survey showed that 54 percent of New Jersey readers said they would get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity. About a quarter — 26.2 percent — said they intend to take a coronavirus vaccine once approved but only after it's been in use long enough to ensure it's safe and effective. Meanwhile, 16.5 percent don't intend to get a vaccine, and 3.3 percent weren’t sure.

• Most In NJ Will Take COVID-19 Vaccine, But Some Skeptical (Survey)

BUSINESSES: WILL THEY RECOVER?

Across Newark and Essex County, local businesses – both large and small – were tested in ways they never expected last year. Not all survived.

• United Way: Here's How COVID Has Impacted Newark Small Businesses
• COVID-19 Causes Bittersweet End For Montclair Dessert Restaurant
• Popular Maplewood Bar Closes With Note: 'The Pandemic Killed Us'
• Steaks, Pretzels, Music: COVID Shutdown Ravages Nutley Businesses

Some business owners have clashed with state regulations, curfews and restrictions. Others have reported that they're on the brink of collapse.

• Newark Coronavirus Crackdown: 8 Businesses Cited In 2 Days
• Newark Cops Find 200 People Partying At Illegal Warehouse 'Bar'
• Newark Bars Accused Of COVID-19 Violations On Halloween Weekend
• Essex County Restaurant Owner Defies Gov. Murphy's Orders Again
• Fed-Up NJ Hairdressers, Barbers Rally In Essex County: 'Let Us Reopen'

But others found a pathway forward, adapting to weather the crisis the best they can. Some even found ways to thrive.

• Black-Owned Movie Theater In Newark Thrives Amid Pandemic
• Cargo Flights Are Helping United Airlines Weather COVID Crisis
• Employee-Owned Business In Newark Is Success Story Amid Pandemic

SCHOOLS: WILL THEY BE REMOTE OR IN-PERSON?

Throughout Newark and Essex County, local school districts had a tough call to make in 2020: go remote or stay in-person?

Constantly changing state regulations – and school districts’ attempts to find their own pathways forward – were a hallmark of 2020. Will there be another year of uncertainty in Newark, or will its schools find more secure footing?

Here are some of the storylines that are expected to continue in 2021.

Newark Public Schools Put Brakes On Plan To Reopen In Person

New Jersey's largest public school district will continue with all-online classes until late January due to the coronavirus pandemic.

'Overwhelmed' Newark High Schoolers Protest Rumored Class Schedule Change

After a grueling year for Newark students, winter break finally was in sight, and with it the promise of rest and relief.

Is It Fair To Rate Teachers Based On Student Scores During The Pandemic? Newark Teachers Raise Concerns.

The Newark school district will continue to rate teachers this year based partly on how well their students perform on standardized tests.

Almost All Newark Students Now Have Laptops, District Official Says, Though Some Tech Challenges Remain

Nearly every student in the Newark school system now has a device for online learning, a district official said.

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