Newark cites more than 800 people over stay-at-home order

NEWARK — Authorities in New Jersey's biggest city cited more than 800 people and ordered dozens of businesses closed on charges they violated the governor's stay-at-home order to combat COVID-19, city officials said Monday.

Eight hundred forty-two people were issued summonses, and 44 nonessential businesses have been closed in the week since police began cracking down, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose told NJ.com.

Police at first gave people warnings but began to issue summonses on March 31, according to authorities. Gov. Phil Murphy signed the stay-at-home directive on March 21.

People had been “blatantly”violating the order, Ambrose said.

So far in New Jersey, more than 900 people have died from the coronavirus, with more than 37,000 people testing positive.

There have been other reports of citations across the state, as well.

A performance by a Pink Floyd cover band that drew about 30 adults to the front yard of a home on Saturday night has resulted in charges against a Rumson man.

Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan said the man was charged with several disorderly persons offenses including reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.