(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced that effective  Wednesday, March 2, under a new Executive Order, the City of Newark is lifting the proof of vaccination mandate, and will no longer require persons to wear face masks while indoors in public places. Businesses have the discretion to require patrons and employees to wear face masks while in their establishment. In addition, it is strongly recommended that buildings housing seniors/and or the disabled require the wearing of face masks in public and common areas, including, but not limited to elevators, hallways, stairways. Masks are still required in common areas of all government buildings.

“Because of the cooperation of our community in our efforts to continue our fight against COVID-19, we are seeing a downward trend in cases. That has in turn enabled us to remove vaccination and mask restrictions,” said Mayor Baraka. “However, we still need to remain vigilant. Continue to wear your masks when appropriate and get vaccinated, to protect yourselves and your loved ones.”

The Department of Health and Community Wellness has been tracking COVID-19 in Newark, and reports that its test positivity rate between February 21 and February 27 was 1.57 percent, which is progressively lower than prior weeks, and is trending in the right direction.

In the past 23 months, since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Baraka has signed more than 36 Executive Orders to set forth restrictions and protocols to stem the spread of COVID-19 and provide economic relief to Newark businesses.