Full Notification

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

I want to start by highlighting the community service of three seventh grade students at the Mustard Seed School. Josh, Roma and Caroline led the school community to raise over $6,500 to provide meals for guests of the Hoboken Shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic. They challenged their classmates and community to give generously, and they did! Josh, Roma and Caroline partnered with Hoboken restaurant Mikie Squared and provided over 650 pre-packaged meals to the shelter. Thank you for this selfless act, supporting a local business, and helping those who need a hand.
 
Impact of COVID-19
 
The Hoboken Health Department reported no new COVID-19 cases or fatalities today. Eight previous cases were removed by the Health Department, with Hoboken’s total known, confirmed cases at 561 and 29 COVID-19 related fatalities. 230 residents have fully recovered after being exposed to the virus.
 
Expansion of businesses outdoors
 
In advance of when Governor Murphy allows restaurants and dining establishments to re-open with capacity limits, I encourage all businesses who wish to expand outdoor capacity to apply for expanded sidewalks space, streateries and/or parklets by visiting our business recovery website at http://www.hobokennj.gov/businessrecovery. Doing so early and proactively will allow businesses to expand outdoor capacity in a timely fashion and in preparation for a re-opening. I also encourage all business employees to take advantage of the new testing option we are now providing with Riverside Medical, for all employees to receive a COVID-19 test in advance of a re-opening. I’m glad to report that over 100 employees of small businesses in town have signed up to receive one. As a reminder, if you don’t have health insurance, the City will pay for the cost of a test. Please call 201-420-5621 to the CERT hotline to arrange a test.
 
Guidelines for various businesses
 
I know our businesses are eager to re-open when the State of New Jersey gives the green light, and we are doing what we can as a City to assist. I encourage our businesses to take a look at some best practices and re-opening guidelines that the Hoboken Business Alliance has put together for various industries, with profiles of re-opening plans for various Hoboken businesses as well. I know our business owners want to protect the health of employees and customers, and these guides help provide some practical tips to help make this possible. Visit the re-opening guidelines of the Hoboken Business Alliance website at https://www.hobokenalliance.com/reopening-guidelines.
 
Outdoor workouts
 
I’m pleased that a number of gyms and fitness centers are taking advantage of our new initiative to allow them to host socially distant, outdoor classes. We are acting quickly and allowing for outdoor classes, hosted by gyms for their members, to begin next week. We are prioritizing space in our fields that are not currently occupied due to regulations on organized and contact sports, for the fitness clubs to minimize use of public parks when possible.
 
I know fitness centers, like many other industries, are hurting during these difficult times, and there is no “one size fits all” solution for this outdoor option. Various fitness center may not be able to take advantage of this option, or the types of fitness classes may need to be changed or modified to make it work outdoors. We also realize that weather may cause classes to be canceled, however we will do everything we can as a City to be flexible. The overall policy goal from my standpoint is to bring exercise and physical fitness outdoors to the greatest extent practicable for public health and safety reasons related to the COVID-19 virus.  This is one part of the “outdoor economy” we are working to help small businesses transition towards.
 
Dog parks open tomorrow
 
As mentioned yesterday, I know many dog owners are looking forward to dog parks opening this weekend. Regulations including social distancing, face masks and capacity limits will be in effect to ensure everyone’s safety. To provide an update on yesterday’s announcement, we recognize that some dog owners have not had a chance to register dog licenses due to the pandemic. As a result, while we encourage all dog owners to register dogs as soon as convenient, it is not a requirement for the immediate future.
 
To apply for a dog license, please visit https://www.hobokennj.gov/resources/dog-licenses.
 
State of New Jersey Rental Assistance Program
 
Governor Murphy and the State of New Jersey today announced a short-term rental assistance program to help residents affected by COVID-19. According to the State, the program will provide rental assistance to low and moderate-income households that have experienced a substantial reduction in income due to the pandemic. The State will launch the website associated with this program on June 15, with more information available at https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/shorttermrap.html.
 
Health safety grants for child care centers and youth camps
 
The State also announced today grant funding for child care centers and youth camps allocated to help ensure safety standards due to COVID-19. The grant funding can be used to purchase cleaning equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other related COVID-19 purchases. Child care centers can receive up to $5,000 and youth camps can receive up to $2,000. To apply and for more information, visit https://www.njccis.com/njccis/home.
 
Community Emergency Response Team hotline

Tomorrow will be the final Saturday the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will operate the City Hall hotline. Going forward, the hotline will be open Monday through Friday from 9 am until 5 pm at 201-420-5621 (to schedule a test) or 201-420-5620 (general inquiries). I am grateful to the CERT team for its selfless and steadfast dedication to serving our community.

Child Care Centers
 
According to Governor Murphy today, child care centers are permitted to re-open on June 15, with social distancing and additional health requirements. I ask all child care centers to please consider the safety precautions offered by the New Jersey Child Care Association, which can be viewed here.

Open Streets

A map of our open streets for Saturday and Sunday, from 8 am until 8 pm each day, is attached. As a reminder, Traffic Control Officers (TCOs) will be on hand to assist with access to vehicles and garages.
 
Thank you Hoboken, and please continue to wear face masks when outdoors this weekend.
 
All the best,

Ravi S. Bhalla
Mayor