Full Notification

Below is an update from Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla on COVID-19:

Impact of COVID-19 in Hoboken
 
The Hoboken Health Department informed my office of four new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, and one on Thursday for a total of 645 known, confirmed cases in Hoboken. Fatalities remain unchanged at 29. Three hundred and seventy-six residents of the 645 have fully recovered from the virus. Currently, residents under 40 years of age make up 51% of all of the known, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hoboken. Seven residents under 16 years of age have tested positive for COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.
 
Slow streets this weekend on Jefferson Street and 5^th Street
 
We are continuing our slow streets program this weekend on 5^th Street between Hudson Street and Jefferson Street, and Jefferson Street between 5^th Street and 10^th Street. Slow streets give additional space for safe, socially distant outdoor activities such as walking, biking and jogging. As before, congregating is prohibited along the slow streets while face masks should be worn at all times. The slow streets are in operation from 8 am until 8 pm this Saturday and Sunday.
 
This weekend – please avoid gatherings when possible
 
Given the trend this week identified from contact tracing from our Hoboken Health Department of residents testing positive after having attended large gatherings in Hoboken and across the state, I ask residents to please exercise caution this weekend and please avoid, whenever possible, large gatherings or parties of any kind. You may be around others who feel healthy, but asymptomatic spread of the virus happens on a regular basis which puts those around you at risk as well.
 
Your actions affect more than just you
 
With gradual re-openings happening across the region, it’s important for residents and employees of local businesses to recognize that putting yourselves in a situation where you have a greater chance of getting infected, such as an indoor gathering, affects more than just you. For example, if you work at a local restaurant and get infected with COVID-19 after attending a separate party, the entire restaurant where you work may be forced to quarantine for 14 days by the health department due to other employees and customers getting exposed. My ask is to please act responsibly and consider the impact of your actions on your close contacts and colleagues.
 
Staff allocated to assist with face masks
 
This weekend, we have allocated staff to assist with face mask education and providing face masks in public places, including our waterfront. Staff handed out over 200 face masks on the waterfront near Pier 13 on Friday night. We plan to continue this education and handing out of face masks in the weeks to come.
 
City staff also continues to follow up with local establishments regarding the social distancing of tables and chairs. Four bars/restaurants have been given official written warnings by the Office of Emergency Management and Zoning Office for lack of compliance with our executive order regarding face masks and social distancing of at least six feet between tables and chairs, with the next violation potentially resulting in the suspension of the outdoor sidewalk cafe. City staff continues to follow-up on other complaints received via email. I again thank the majority of business owners for acting responsibly and taking the important precautions to keep customers and employees safe.
 
Blood Drive next Wednesday 
 
The next City-sponsored blood drive will take place Wednesday, July 22 at the Multi Service Center (124 Grand Street) from noon - 6pm with Vitalant New Jersey. You must have an appointment to donate, and please be sure to wear a mask. If you are symptomatic or have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID within the last 14 days, you will not be eligible to donate. To sign up for an appointment, please go to:
https://donor.cbsblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/52610.
 
Yoga and pilates studios
 
While gymnasiums and fitness clubs are not yet permitted to open indoors, there have been some questions regarding yoga, hot yoga, and pilates studios and whether or not they are permitted to open. Since the jurisdiction of these openings falls under the State of New Jersey, I’ve reached out to Governor Murphy’s office to get clarification on this issue. As soon as we receive an update we will alert our yoga and pilates studios as well as all residents.
 
Update from Hoboken Library
 
The Hoboken Library continues the next step of a gradual re-opening. Below is an update from the library:
 
The next step in the Library’s phased reopening is welcoming the public for computer appointments.  This is in addition to the Library’s current Curbside Pickup and Library by Mail services. Starting Wednesday, July 22, customers will be able to use Library computers on the Library’s second floor.  The computer area has been reconfigured to maximize computer use while still maintaining social distancing and COVID-19 safety protocols. 
 
On Monday, July 20, Hoboken Library Card holders can call the Library at 201-420.2346 to make a computer appointment.  Appointments last for one hour, and are available Monday through Thursday from 10:30am - 11:30 am; 12 pm – 1 pm; 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm; and 4 pm – 5 pm.  On Fridays and Saturdays, appoints are available from 10:30 am - 11:30 am; 12 pm - 1 pm; 2 pm – 3 pm, and 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm.  The half-hour periods between appointments are used by the Library staff to sanitize the computers and work stations.
 
To enter the Library for your appointment, please line up – maintaining social distancing – outside the front door on Fifth Street, along the marked path. Computer access is only available to adults 18 years old and older; only one person will be allowed at each computer at a time. All library users are required to wear masks to enter the building, and to wear masks at all times while in the building. Social distancing will be enforced, and patrons will not be allowed to move the furniture.  Library staff will monitor the use of equipment from a distance of 6 feet away.
 
Thank you,
 
Ravi S. Bhalla
Mayor