Newark Lifts COVID Mandates For Indoor Masks, 'Vaccine Proof'

NEWARK, NJ — Newark is lifting its indoor mask mandate, and will be allowing individual businesses to decide if they want to continue their own masking requirements, officials announced Wednesday evening.

Here are the latest changes, according to a statement from the mayor’s office:

“Effective March 2, under a new executive order, the City of Newark is lifting the proof of vaccination mandate, and will no longer require persons to wear face masks while indoors in public places. Businesses have the discretion to require patrons and employees to wear face masks while in their establishment. In addition, it is strongly recommended that buildings housing seniors/and or the disabled require the wearing of face masks in public and common areas, including, but not limited to elevators, hallways stairways. Masks are still required in common areas of all government buildings.”

The city is also rolling back its “proof of vaccination” mandate, which affected many local businesses and establishments. That mandate was partially lifted in February, although organizers of indoor events with 250 people or more were still required to have the attendees show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results to enter.

Newark is “trending in the right direction” when it comes to coronavirus transmission, city officials said. Read More: NJ Moves Essex County To 'Low' COVID Activity Level

The Department of Health and Community Wellness has been tracking COVID-19 in Newark, and reports that its test positivity rate between Feb. 21 and Feb. 27 was 1.57 percent, which is progressively lower than prior weeks.

“Because of the cooperation of our community in our efforts to continue our fight against COVID-19, we are seeing a downward trend in cases,” Mayor Ras Baraka said. “That has in turn enabled us to remove vaccination and mask restrictions.”

“However, we still need to remain vigilant,” Baraka added. “Continue to wear your masks when appropriate and get vaccinated, to protect yourselves and your loved ones.”

View Executive Order No. MEO-22-0003 here.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.