COVID-19 vax, mask mandates an option at Newark, NJ venues

With the stroke of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka's pen, indoor mask and COVID-19 vaccination mandates came to end on Wednesday but they're still in place in some form at two of the city's largest venues.

The Prudential Center almost immediately no longer required fans to wear masks or show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend an event. Masks may still be worn by choice and artists and promoters may require proof of vaccine or masks.

Judas Priest is requiring ticketholders for their March 30 to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or provide a negative test 72 hours prior to entering The Rock. The band is also requiring mask to be worn by everyone.

J Balvin is requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination without the testing option for their May 21 concert.

(Google Maps)

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center is requiring mask use at all performances until March 29. All ticketholders over the age of 5 must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of a performance.

NJPAC on Friday afteroon did not respond to New Jersey 101.5's request for more information.

Ticketholders will still need to bring a mask to all events if they arrive via NJ Transit. A federal mask mandate for public transportation remains in place through at least March 18.

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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2022 Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge photos

More than 6,000 people took the plunge into the Atlantic Ocean on Feb. 26, 2022 to raise more than $2 million for the Special Olympics New Jersey.

Best coffee shops & cafes near NJ beaches

When it comes to food, New Jersey is known for many things such as pizza and pork roll. Don't count us out when it comes to coffee.

With all the hustle and bustle involved in the average New Jersey resident's day, coffee is essential. It doesn't matter whether you're living in the cities of North Jersey or the vacation spots at the shore.

In fact, as the former owner of two Jersey shore coffee houses, Coffee Dot Comedy in Sea Isle City and the Daily Grind in Ocean Grove, I know firsthand how much people at the Jersey shore love their coffee.

With respect to that, I asked my social media following where the best coffee houses at the Jersey Shore were, especially since my two places no longer exist.

Below is what they came up with. (And see this other article for their coffee shop and cafe recommendations for Central Jersey.)