Full Notification

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

Impact of COVID-19 in Hoboken
 
The Hoboken Health Department reported an additional six cases of COVID-19 yesterday in Hoboken and none today, for a total of 640 known, confirmed cases. Fatalities remain unchanged at 29.
 
Please avoid gatherings
 
The six new cases are all between the ages of 25 and 45, and several were related to situations where residents attended social gatherings that took place during the July 4 weekend both within Hoboken and in areas across New Jersey. None of the six cases were related to travel to states on New Jersey’s quarantine list. The six residents who tested positive included both those who were symptomatic, and some who were asymptomatic but heeded our call to proactively get tested if they were in a situation where social distancing was not possible. Thankfully, none of the six residents who tested positive are hospitalized.
 
Given these new cases, all with similar trends, I continue to urge all residents to avoid large social gathering when possible, especially where social distancing is not practical. We’ve heard several reports where these large gatherings have occurred in other parts of New Jersey, both indoors at house parties, and in areas like confined spaces on the beach. If you feel unsafe, or think you may end up in one of those situations, it’s not worth the risk. If you are going to interact with others, please do so in much smaller groups, outside, and wear a face mask and social distance. If you’ve been in a compromising situation such as a house party, please quarantine for a full 14 days and get a COVID-19 test at least 5-7 days after potential exposure. Even if you test negative for COVID-19, you should still quarantine for the full 14 days.
 
Once again, I want to thank our Hoboken Health Department for identifying this trend so quickly. They are conducting contact tracing for all cases on a daily basis as they come in, and our 15-minute rapid tests with Dr. Brahmbhatt and Riverside Medical are helping ensure we aren’t waiting days to get the actual results of the test to begin the contact tracing. This has almost certainly prevented more infections, especially when we have spikes like these six cases.
 
Small business grants now available
 
As mentioned earlier today, I’m thrilled that Hoboken small businesses were provided with $1.9 million in CARES Act funding that was secured by Senator Menendez and Congressman Sires. Thanks to our partnership with Hudson County, we’ll be administering the grant program with them that can provide up to $20,000 per small business with up to 25 employees. Businesses can find out more information and apply at http://www.hobokennj.gov/smallbusinessgrants. I’m very thankful to our federal and county officials for helping make this program possible for our City and small businesses.
 
Updated quarantine list
 
New Jersey added three states to the quarantine list, while removing Deleware. The full list of states in which residents should quarantine for a full 14 days after returning from include: Alabama; Arizona; Arkansas; California; Florida; Georgia; Idaho; Iowa; Kansas; Louisiana; Minnesota; Mississippi; Nevada; New Mexico; North Carolina; Ohio; Oklahoma; South Carolina; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; and Wisconsin.
 
One on one instructions at gyms – please wear face masks
 
My staff reached out to Governor Murphy’s office, which informed us that face masks must be used by both gym instructors and those receiving one on one instruction indoors at all gyms and fitness centers. I ask all gym instructors and participants to please follow this regulation.
 
Thank you Hoboken,
 
Ravi S. Bhalla
Mayor