The city of Newark has unveiled the first phase of its blueprint to reopen, which will have three phases in total.

 

"We're going to make sure you have the ability to get yourself prepared now because we assume that by the 14th and the 15th, if the trajectory goes the way it's going, we'll be able to say some things get to be open,” says Mayor Ras Baraka.

Mayor Baraka says the city will reopen in three phases. Phase one starts on June 1, and is all about preparation. Businesses have to create a plan to reopen, and submit it to the city for review. Businesses won't be able to actually reopen until phase two on June 14 or 15.

 

Additionally, during phase one, information centers will be created in each ward to teach people about coronavirus.

Religious services will remain online, and recreation centers, city parks and playgrounds will remain closed. The city will explore universal Wi-Fi access for remote learning. Lockdown restrictions will also be eased during phase one. If you're leaving your home, wear a mask. Even with the precautions, city officials warn new cases of the virus are inevitable.

"What people have to understand when we're opening up, it does not mean no one will get sick,” says Mayor Baraka. “People are going to get sick."

To drill that point home, a visual reminder for residents. Color-coded system signs show the risks of visiting different places -- red means high risk, yellow is moderate, and green is low.

"When we get through this, we want to take as many people with us as possible over the line,” says Mayor Baraka. “We don't want to leave people behind."

Mayor Baraka says he's in touch with the governor's office about the city's reopening plan.