Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has implemented new COVID-19 restrictions as the city sits at a 19% infection rate, more than double the state's.

Newark has seen 230 new cases of coronavirus per day – higher than most other New Jersey communities. The 19% infection rate is more than double the statewide infection rate, which sits at about 7.7%.

Mayor Ras Baraka's previous executive order remains in place. All non-essential businesses must close by 8 p.m. every day. Restaurants and bars must close indoor dining services by 8 p.m., which is two hours earlier than the guidelines Gov. Phil Murphy gave for the state as a whole earlier this week, and outdoor service by 11 p.m. Masks must be worn and restaurants must perform temperature checks.

A mandatory curfew is now in place for residents living in the ZIP codes 07104, 07105 and 07107. These areas include the city's East Ward and North Newark. Residents living in these areas must be inside by 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends unless they are traveling to or from work or if there is an emergency.

In 07104, the boundaries are Seventh Avenue to Second Avenue and from Broadway to Clifton Avenue.

In 07105, this is the entire area, not including the airport or the highways.

In 07107, the boundaries are Third Avenue North to Berkley Avenue. North Third Street to 11th Street.

"That means all businesses are going to shut down,“ says Mayor Baraka. “May even shut down drug stores and those other places as well. Everything, everything. We want to completely shut down in that zip codes.”

No sports activities will be allowed to be played in Newark overall for the next two weeks. City officials say that during this time, all coaches, players and trainers must be tested for COVID-19 and must test negative to resume playing. Once play resumes, all participants must be tested for the virus every week. People who are not actively playing in a game must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

City wide gatherings, both inside and out, are limited to 10 people. 

No visitation will be allowed at long-term care facilities for the next two weeks. Senior housing buildings will only be allowed one non-essential visitor per unit per day.

Religious gatherings will be restricted to 25% capacity and masks must be worn.

The restrictions come as Gov. Phil Murphy announced similar – but more lenient -- restrictions on bars and restaurants around the state.

The city says they will revisit the guidelines and reassess the situation Dec. 1.

  More information about the new restrictions can be found on the city of Newark’s website.