Message from Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla:

As Mayor, there’s nothing more important to me than protecting the health and safety of our residents. The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has produced some substantial challenges, however we are doing everything possible to limit the spread of it in Hoboken. It’s important to be as transparent with the public regarding these decisions so everyone is informed, and we’ll continue to do so.

This email is long, but provides comprehensive information about the proactive steps we’re taking to limit gatherings and prevent more residents from being exposed to COVID-19.  I recognize that some of these decisions may cause major disruptions for residents and members of the service industry. Please know it’s because we’re doing everything we can to keep everyone safe, especially our seniors and most vulnerable populations.

To stay up to date in real-time with alerts we frequently send out from the City of Hoboken, please sign up for Nixle email alerts at http://www.hobokennj.gov/alerts.

Steps we’re taking to limit the spread of COVID-19 through at least March 20:

Bars and restaurants changed to take-out only: Unfortunately, it became impractical and a substantial health hazard with gatherings of people at bars and restaurants. This change, which we announced on Saturday, ended up being replicated across three states and major cities like New York City just one day later. I completely recognize the hardship this will likely cause for our businesses and employees, but know it was decided with the sole purpose of saving lives. We will be launching an effort to help our small businesses this week.

City-wide curfew from 10 pm – 5 am: To prevent large social gatherings, we’re asking all residents to remain in their homes during these hours except for emergencies, or if you are required to work by your employer. No, we won’t be giving tickets for walking your dog, but we do ask residents to respect that we want to prevent clusters of people during the late evening hours.

Closure of schools for two weeks: In consultation with the Hoboken Public School District and the Hoboken Charter Schools (Elysian, HoLa, and Hoboken Charter), the Office of Emergency Management decided to close the schools starting Monday, March 16.

Canceling all non-essential City-run events and meetings until further notice: This includes all City-run recreation activities and sports for children and adults, and all previously planned public meetings.

Suspension of street cleaning: We recognize that if people are working from home, moving their cars is only encouraging additional travel within Hoboken. It is now suspended.

Closure of fields, recreation facilities and playgrounds: In addition to the closure of City fields and recreation facilities, we’re also taking the step to close playgrounds to children as a preventative measure. City parks will remain open with the exception of fields, recreation courts, playgrounds, and restrooms.

Closure of day cares, and pop-up camps for children: Unfortunately, day cares also contribute to the gathering of people, and we had to make the difficult decision to close them, out of an abundance of caution. We also will be prohibiting any day camps or pop-up camps for children through at least the end of the week, also as a precaution.

City Hall services available by phone, email or online only: To limit travel and congregation within City Hall, and to protect employees, we are closing City Hall to public visits. However, services will continue to operate either within City Hall or remotely by employees. Members of the public must call the respective department in City Hall and speak to a representative or leave a message, or send an email to the respective employee or department head, that can be found at http://www.hobokennj.gov and choosing the “departments” tab under “government”.

As you may have heard, our first positive case of COVID-19 was on Friday (we’re now up to four confirmed total cases). A note about this – I’ve been informed that the individual who tested positive was a model case for what to do if you feel sick. Once he felt symptoms that he thought could be from COVID-19, he immediately reached out to his physician, was tested, and began self-isolation before even receiving the result. Once he knew he tested positive for COVID-19, he continued self-isolation. These responsible decisions allowed our Hoboken Health Department to proactively reach out to those who were in contact with him, and self-quarantine as directed by the Health Department. The lesson here is to please stay home if you’re sick, and if you feel symptoms, call your healthcare provider without delay.

I urge residents to recommend practicing social distancing (remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance of approximately 6 feet from others), washing and sanitizing your hands frequently, and to work from home if you are able.

Over the weekend, we set up two COVID-19 hotlines to help provide additional information for residents, and also to assist our seniors who may need a helping hand. Thank you to our CERT members for volunteering to assist with this while keeping our public informed.

I know these are difficult times, but please don’t forget to show kindness to one another, empathy to your neighbors, and lend a hand to those in need. We are one community, we will get through this together. Thank you to everyone for your patience and cooperation. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Best,

Ravi

P.S. Below is the official communication we sent out from the City of Hoboken on social media and via the Nixle email service, for the most up to date and comprehensive information:

March 15: Statement from Mayor Bhalla on two additional positive COVID-19 cases

March 15: Mayor Bhalla announces new regulations for bars and restaurants

March 15: Statement from Mayor Bhalla on new positive COVID-19 case

March 14: COVID-19 hotlines established for general information and seniors

March 13: Mayor Bhalla announces additional proactive measures regarding COVID-19

March 13: Communication from Mayor Bhalla regarding first known positive case of COVID-19

March 12: Office of Emergency Management: Hoboken Public School District to close on Monday

March 12: Update from Mayor Bhalla: State of Emergency declared by Office of Emergency Management

March 11: COVID-19 update from Mayor Bhalla

March 10: Coronavirus update from Mayor Bhalla

March 8: Update from Mayor Bhalla regarding coronavirus preparations

March 3: Update from Mayor Bhalla regarding coronavirus