COVID Closures At Newark City Buildings; Xmas Service Suspensions

Newark NJ

23 December, 2021

9:58 AM

Description

NEWARK, NJ — Newark City Hall and other buildings will be closed until Jan. 3 because of the coronavirus, officials recently announced. According to Newark city officials, municipal buildings closed Wednesday due to an increase in new COVID-19 cases and "the infectivity associated with the omicron variant." See related article: Masks Are Back: Newark Indoor Mandate Returns As COVID SpikesSee related article: COVID Uptick Prompts Newark Schools To Prep For Potential Shift "While the buildings are closed, maintenance staff will deep clean all facilities, to reduce the risk and potential exposure to the coronavirus," officials said. Newark officials added: "During the time city buildings are closed, employees will work remotely. Public Safety Personnel, Health Department employees who administer vaccines and testing, Water and Sewer Utilities, and Department of Public Works will continue to report to their work assignments. Essential personnel as designated by department directors will activate according to department procedures. Police, fire, and uniformed agencies will be fully [staffed]." "We want to reassure you that our priority is the health and safety of our employees and citizens," Mayor Ras Baraka said. "City operations will continue, despite city buildings being closed for deep cleaning and sanitation. I urge all Newark residents to stay vigilant, and keep themselves safe." People who need to make water and/or tax payments can do so online at www.newarknj.gov or utilize the drop off box located at the entrance of Newark City Hall. Residents can contact the various departments for services needed by phone or email. See related article: Newark Mayor Positive For COVID: No Symptoms At All, Baraka Says HOLIDAY SERVICES, COURT Meanwhile, the city is also preparing to suspend some municipal services due to the Christmas holiday. All non-uniformed city services – including the municipal court – will be suspended on Friday, Dec. 24. Police, fire, other uniformed emergency services and recycling will be unaffected. Curbside trash will not be picked up and street sweeping will not occur on Dec. 24. Trash pick-ups will resume on Monday, Dec. 27. In addition, alternate side of the street parking will be suspended. Municipal garbage will resume in Zone A on Monday, December 27. It will resume in Zone B on Tuesday morning, December 28. Residents must place their refuse at their curbs the evening before those days, and pick-ups will be made as regularly scheduled, officials said. City officials continued: "The Department of Health and Community Wellness's inspection services and health clinic will not operate on Friday, Dec. 24. In addition, the Bureau of Vital Statistics will be closed. Residents will not be able to apply for permits, birth certificates, name-change certificates, marriage licenses, nor pay water or tax bills at City Hall." Officials added: "The Municipal Court will also be closed on Friday, Dec. 24. However, a judge will be available to preside over bail hearings for defendants in custody, on Friday, Dec. 24. Residents can make payments on parking and traffic tickets through the website www.njmcdirect.com. To utilize this website, residents will need their summons number, including the prefix, and the City of Newark's court code, which is 0714." Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected] Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don't forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.