Newark is taking action as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, and the stay at home order in the city is more of an urgent ask of city residents, according to Mayor Ras Baraka.

The city has seen a positivity rate of more than 20%, and in some specific areas, more than 40%. The area is Newark's East Ward, the iron bound area, a concentrated area where at any given time, people will be seen walking through its streets.

“This is a high-risk area and mostly minorities, I think it's really important for us to protect ourselves in our community, otherwise it can get out of control, which it already has,” says Marlon Sarkor.

The guidance is for all of Newark. With Thanksgiving Thursday, the mayor is asking residents essentially to "lock their" city down and shelter in place for 10 days. Celebrate the holiday with only the members of your own household and only go out if absolutely necessary: to buy groceries, go to the doctor and buy medicine are some reasons.

Newark already has other restrictions. Mayor Baraka recently implemented curfews in parts of the city, as well as setting specific hours to non-essential businesses and restaurants.

“We just got to do the best we can to follow rules to make the city safe for Newark and in surrounding areas,” says Sarkor.

As for the stay at home order, according to the mayor, an "urgent ask" means it’s up to residents to follow the guidelines.