Newark's COVID-19 vaccine mandate is now in effect. Residents and people who visit the city will need to
show proof of vaccination at certain locations.
Mayor Ras Baraka signed an executive order late last month for proof of vaccination
to enter certain businesses.
The order affects restaurants, bars,
gyms, concert halls, sporting venues, banquet halls and shared work
facilities.
Under the new order, people 5 and older must
show proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and be fully
vaccinated three weeks later to enter one of the establishments.
The businesses must show signs at the front door letting customers know they
have to be vaccinated to get inside.
"I think it's really good because I work
here every day, we see a lot of people,” says Isabela Cunha. “It makes me safe,
and it makes other people safe."
The mayor says there are some exceptions to the rule. Houses of worship,
grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies, election polling places, hardware stores
and shelters for people who are homeless or domestic violence
survivors do not need to ask for vaccination cards.
The mayor says the requirement does not apply to people who are not
vaccinated due to medical conditions or deeply held religious beliefs. The
mayor says people who are going inside a store for a quick, limited purpose,
such as picking up a takeout order, do not have to show their card
either.