Newark Set To Begin Second Wave Of Coronavirus Restrictions On Non-Essential Businesses
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A troubling increase in coronavirus cases leads to a second shutdown tonight in Newark.
Restrictions on non-essential businesses and recreational facilities go into effect at 8 p.m.
The curfew affects all stores -- expect supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations. Barber shops, beauty parlors and nail salons must be appointment only.
Restaurants also have to close indoor service by 8 p.m. and outdoor service by 11 p.m.
"Large gatherings are still happening, and restaurants and indoor places have to be strict with the numbers that they're allowing," Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said Monday.
Andros owner Tasos Frangias said "it's a step backwards" for the 40-year-old, family-owned restaurant, where business is down 65%.
"Ever since the 25% inside dining, that really helped us. It was devastating when we heard the news we're going back," Frangias told CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis.
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The new rules include gyms sanitizing the first 30 minutes of each hour and following curfew.
Personal trainer Gabriel Costa said it will impact his post-work clients, but added, "It would affect us a lot with a major shutdown, which is why we're taking this seriously."
The city is putting the strict measures in place after its positivity rate soared over 11% in mid-October, the highest since May.
In the East Ward, the city says 25% of tests are coming back positive.
"I was expecting it to spike because around here there have been a lot of parties going on, a lot of people going out," Costa said.
Gov. Phil Murphy says other city may have to take a cue from Newark to address hotspots and prevent another statewide lockdown, but the governor gave no metrics for that.
Newark's lockdown will remain for two weeks before it's re-evaluated.
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