NEWARK, NJ — Most of the residents of New Jersey’s most populated city understand why it’s important to stay at home while the new coronavirus spreads. But for the few who don’t, Newark’s citywide shelter-in-place order should serve as a big wake-up call, local officials say.

On Wednesday night, Mayor Ras Baraka announced that the entire city is being ordered to shelter in place. It’s an expansion from last weekend’s order, which put restrictions on three alleged hotspots of virus activity.

See related article: Newark Tightens Coronavirus Rules (Shelter-In-Place, Curfew)

Now it’s the entire city that should stay at home and not come out – unless it’s an emergency, Baraka urged.

There are a few exceptions, such as going to the supermarket, picking up “essentials” at local stores or the pharmacy, visiting the doctor, walking dogs or “stepping out and get fresh air” in your yard or on your porch.

Exceptions are also being made for “essential employees,” Baraka said.

Children need to be accompanied by an adult, and people should only leave their homes in pairs. In instances where that is not possible – such as single parent/grandparent households – then the most should be a family of no more than five at a time, officials said.

The order became effective Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Newark’s shelter-in-place decree is similar to Gov. Phil Murphy’s recent “stay-at-home” order, which closed many businesses in the state, banned public gatherings and required employers to let people work from home when possible.

As of Thursday, New Jersey had a total of 4,402 cases and 62 deaths linked to COVID-19, according to the state department of health. READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here’s What You Need To Know)

CORONAVIRUS IN NEWARK

As of Wednesday evening, Newark has seen 123 confirmed cases of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and a total of two deaths, city officials said.

Last week, Newark officials began a mandatory 8 p.m. curfew in the city, which requires all non-essential businesses to close at that time. It lasts “until further notice.”

Newark residents should also practice “social distancing” and keep at least 6 feet apart from each other. That goes for any businesses that are allowed to remain open, officials said.

“We have to take this situation very, very seriously,” Baraka said Wednesday. “The majority of our residents understand this and are following the rules. But some are not and continue to congregate on the streets and not maintain proper social distance. Those people are putting their own health at risk, as well everyone they come into contact with.”

“It’s dangerous and it has to stop,” the mayor emphasized.

See related article: NJ Woman Found After Positive Coronavirus Test, Disappearing

Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said police will be aggressively enforcing the rules.

“We will continue to be out with loudspeakers moving people off the corners and streets,” Ambrose said. “We will begin with verbal warnings. We want to save lives, not make arrests.”

“But this is a matter of public safety, and the community has an equal responsibility to make sure we all stay healthy and safe,” Ambrose added. “I urge our residents to call police if they see groups of people hanging out and violating this mandate.”

See related article: Newark Police Say False Alarms On Coronavirus Will Be Prosecuted

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