Below is a message from Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla for Hoboken residents:

There are a lot of heroes to thank to keep us safe from COVID-19, and one group that sometimes gets overlooked are our supermarket workers. They’re showing up to work every day to ensure that we can all get the goods we need on a daily basis, and we owe them our gratitude. It’s been a stressful situation for them too and the next time you’re shopping, a simple thank you to the worker at the register or restocking the shelves goes a long way.

12 new COVID-19 cases and unfortunate passing

I’m saddened to report that a 79-year-old Hoboken resident passed away today due to COVID-19. I extend my deepest sympathies to his friends and family.

Overall, there are 12 new COVID-19 cases today with 108 total cases in Hoboken. Thank you as always to our Hoboken Health Department for their work in helping ensure those in contact with the individuals are self-quarantining. Please be sure to remain indoors as much as possible, utilize social distancing of at least six feet when outside, and sanitize and wash your hands frequently.

Please respect park closures

As you know, our parks are now closed in furtherance of our proactive efforts to slow the spread of this virus. I respectfully ask that residents abide by these new rules put into place. Please do not bypass the barricades as some did today. I know for many of us, walking through the park has been a regular routine, but we are in this together with new regulations meant to keep everyone safe and save lives.

Meals for first responders and medical professionals

Thank you to the many residents who expressed interest from our message last night about helping provide meals to first responders and medical professionals. Our Hoboken Police Department received over 100 offers to purchase a meal in just a few short hours! To help with this process, residents formed FLAG (Front Line Appreciation Group) of Hoboken and Jersey City, to collect donations and provide food from local businesses for those who keep us safe. I appreciate everyone’s generosity and support.

Join the group on Facebook and donate: https://www.facebook.com/groups/631298804317956

Reminder to fill out census

A friendly reminder to please fill out your census! Visit https://my2020census.gov/ and fill out the questionnaire to make sure Hoboken meets important thresholds to earn critical federal funding in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Spring fling postponed

Hoboken’s annual spring fling clean-up event in City parks is postponed until further notice.

Shoprite

I have heard from many residents concerned about overcrowding in local supermarkets, especially ShopRite. I share your concern, and my staff has been in contact with the store manager to ask that additional precautions be taken to help address the situation. Unfortunately, due to State regulations because of the State of Emergency, Hoboken cannot reduce the occupancy levels of supermarkets. We have asked that this voluntarily occur in ShopRite, like it has at Trader Joe’s which has reduced the total permitted people allowed in the store at once. I again respectfully ask residents to please try to take every measure possible to reduce supermarket trips and to utilize local bodegas or corner stores which can be less crowded.

New Jersey Economic Development Authority “Eligibility Wizard”

The NJEDA introduced a user-friendly “eligibility wizard” to help small businesses or non-profits determine what emergency assistance programs are available through the State. I encourage businesses to visit the State’s COVID-19 Business Information Hub https://cv.business.nj.gov to view what could be available to you, and view other frequently asked questions.

COVID-19 hotlines

The two Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) COVID-19 hotlines for general information and for seniors will operate with new hours of operation, between 9 am and 6 pm. I’m continuing to do my best to answer as many residents who reach out to me directly on social media, however I ask that the majority of inquiries please be directed to the official hotlines to receive a prompt response.

General Hoboken COVID-19 hotline: 201-420-5620

Senior COVID-19 hotline: 201-420-5625

If you’re a senior or know a senior who needs assistance for any reason, please do not hesitate to reach out on the hotline – that’s what it’s there for. Our CERT team is here to help.

CVS now offering free prescription deliveries

The store manager at CVS informed me that their branch locations are now offering free prescription deliveries. Please call your local CVS branch if you are in need of prescriptions to be delivered to your home, to limit additional travel.

59 Washington Street: (201) 798-1889

210 14^th Street: (201) 420-3286

811 Clinton Street: (201) 420-4825

Sincerely,

Ravi S. Bhalla

Mayor