Update: City of Newark announces changes aimed at limiting spread of COVID-19

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The City of Newark announced measures aimed at reducing the risk of community spread of COVID-19, a respiratory virus identified in at least seven individuals associated with the University of Delaware.

Measures range from now trash outside the container and the possible waiving of some late fees. 

Newark City Council approved an  emergency ordinance  aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. The ordinance will be automatically sunset in 60 days unless extended by Council through normal ordinance procedure. The terms of the ordinance are:
  • All public and private social gatherings shall not exceed 10 attendees. 
  • Law enforcement may order the dispersal of gatherings exceeding the maximum number of attendees.
  • The city will offer free parking in all municipal lots and metered spaces on Main Street will be free, but with a 15-minute time limit to be used to quickly pick up items and meals from local retailers and restaurants. The 15-minute time limit will be enforced by the city to ensure parking availability. 
Other  changes are as follows: 
  • Trash, recycling and dumpsters will be picked up on their normal schedule. However, all trash should be inside the cart with the lid closed. Loose trash and bags placed on the curb will not be collected. Please take care to ensure that carts are placed in a manner that can easily be collected by the automated arms on our refuse trucks with at least three feet between carts.
  • Green Wednesdays Yard Waste Collection is suspended until April 3rd.
  • Bulk collections are suspended until April 3rd.
  • Alderman’s Court is closed. All upcoming appearances will be rescheduled for after June 1st. Notices will be mailed to everyone impacted by the closure and payments will be accepted online at newarkde.gov/payments.
  • City Council meetings are closed to the public until further notice. The meetings will continue to be streamed and may be viewed here: https://livestream.com/newarkde.
  • The City Secretary’s Office is encouraging registered voters in Districts 3 and 5 to vote using absentee ballots for the April 14th City Council election. Absentee ballots are being mailed to all registered voters in districts 3 and 5 in the coming days. Contact citysecretary@newark.de.us for more information.
  • All public meetings and workshops have been canceled through the end of April.
  • Walk-in services are currently suspended and will remain suspended until we are able to provide them while maintaining safety for visitors and staff members. You are encouraged to pay bills online at newarkde.gov/payments and by phone at 302.366.7000.
  • Late fees and utility shut-offs will be waived on a case-by-case basis.
  • Parks and Recreation programs and activities are canceled. Registered participants will receive a refund or credit for future use. Parks and trails remain open from dawn until dusk.
  • Certain 911 calls that are not in-progress such as minor thefts, fraud, etc. may be handled by the Newark Police Department via telephone rather than in-person.
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