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 the following new COVID-19 cases in Hoboken:
 
September 16: 8
September 17: 2
September 18: 1
 
754 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, with 691 full recoveries. Fatalities remain unchanged at 31.
 
According to the Hoboken Health Department, some of the new cases this week can be attributed to members of the same household contracting the virus, as well as those testing positive after coming into contact with close contacts who had the virus. Some of those individuals were already in quarantine due to real-time contact tracing from the Hoboken Health Department based on recent infections. The Health Department reported that there were no cluster of cases from a single source such as an office, restaurant or gym. Additionally, some of the results that were reported in the past few days may have been delayed due to reporting from laboratories.
 
The uptick in recent cases is not unexpected given re-openings across the region. Over the past several days, cases have also risen in New Jersey. I urge residents to continue taking the virus seriously, and to take the precaution to proactively assume that anyone you come into contact could have COVID-19. This is especially important because of the trend in Hoboken and across the country that many infections have occurred through asymptomatic spread with no apparent symptoms. Please continue to avoid large indoor gatherings, wear a face mask, social distance, and prioritize outdoor activities whenever possible.
 
Contact tracing from the Hoboken Health Department
 
I’m very thankful to the Hoboken Health Department for their diligent efforts at contact tracing. From the very first infection, our Hoboken Health Department has conducted quick, efficient and aggressive contact tracing in real-time for all Hoboken residents who tested positive. Over 10,000 calls have been conducted and have undoubtedly prevented other infections. If a staff member from the health department calls you, please do everything you can to cooperate and help identify close contacts, as well as follow the guidance provided. All information collected is 100% confidential. An additional thank you goes out to the large majority of residents who have complied and worked with our Hoboken Health Department on contact tracing.
 
Testing available for Hoboken residents – rapid tests return to Riverside Medical
 
Over the summer, it was encouraging to see so many residents take the proper precautions to get proactively tested after coming back from vacation, before seeing elderly relatives, and more. In September, we have seen lower levels of residents getting a COVID-19 test, which could be due to a variety of factors. If you believe for any reason you could have been exposed, or want to take proactive action before returning to work, school, or more, I encourage you to get a COVID-19 test through Riverside Medical or Prompt MD - even if you do not have symptoms.
 
Riverside has received new shipments of rapid testing, which they are currently utilizing at their site under the Viaduct for most tests, along with non-rapid (PCR) tests for any resident who may require one. They continue to have capacity for additional testing, and are open six days a week, including Saturdays. Please call 201-420-5621 between 9 am and 1 pm (Monday - Friday) to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) hotline to schedule a test through Riverside. We will soon be utilizing an online-based sign-up system for testing at Riverside, which we will share soon. If you have recently received a bill from Riverside, please disregard it as the City continues to work through billing procedures with Riverside staff.
 
Prompt MD is conducting testing for up to 350 residents on Monday at the pop-up site at 605 Jackson Street between 8 am and 3 pm as well, with appointments available at www.hobokennj.gov/promptmd. Please bring a government identification or proof of address at the time of testing, along with insurance cards if you have insurance. We are working to make the Prompt MD Monday testing a regular occurrence for the near future.

Flu shots with Hoboken Family Pharmacy
 
Thank you to Hoboken Family Pharmacy for hosting a flu shot clinic yesterday and today, at which nearly 250 residents received a flu shot. Hoboken Family Pharmacy will return for flu shots at our pop-up site at 605 Jackson Street next week on Thursday from 7 am until 4 pm, with sign-ups now available at www.hobokennj.gov/hfp. Flu shots may also be available at other medical facilities and pharmacies, although CVS has indicated that they have temporarily run out of flu shot supplies. I highly encourage all residents to obtain a flu shot this year given the similar symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu.
 
Upcoming Blood Drive September 22^nd
 
The next City-sponsored blood drive will take place Tuesday, September 22 at the Multi Service Center (124 Grand Street) from 12 noon - 6pm with Vitalant New Jersey. Please be sure to sign up for an appointment, and wear a mask when you arrive. Those who are symptomatic or who have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID within the last 14 days will not be eligible to donate. To sign up for an appointment, please visit https://donor.cbsblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/52653.
 
School zones in effect beginning Monday
 
With some in-person schooling resuming, the enforcement of parking in school zones during specified hours will resume as of Monday, September 21.
 
Drive-in Movies Under the Stars
 
Our drive-in Movies Under the Stars with the Hoboken Business Center continue over the next few weeks, with tickets still available for Spider Man, Toy Story 4 and Bohemian Rhapsody through October 3. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.hobokennj.gov/news/city-of-hoboken-to-host-drive-in-movies-with-hoboken-business-center.
 
Only a few weeks left for the Census
 
There is only a short time longer for residents to complete the census. Please help make every person count so we can qualify for federal funding in the years to come, especially given the needs cities like Hoboken will have due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Census workers are required under federal regulations to knock on doors of those residents who have not yet filled it out. Please take 5 minutes and complete the census at http://my2020census.gov.
 
Hazardous waste drop-off
 
On October 4, Hoboken and the Hudson County Improvement Authority are hosting a hazardous waste drop-off event from 9 am – 1 pm at the Hoboken DPW (256 Observer Highway, entrance on Willow Avenue). If driving, due to COVID-19, please remain in your vehicle and place the materials in the trunk.
 
Please feel free to bring the following items for safe disposal:
 
Pesticides
Herbicides
Corrosives
Thinners
Oil based paint
Pool chemicals
Car batteries
Rechargeable batteries
Used motor oil
Solvents
Cleaners
Full or partially full aerosol cans
Propane tanks (from barbecues only)
Fire extinguishers
Formaldehyde
Fluorescent tubes
CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps)
Auto and marine flares
Thermostats
Cell phones
Mercury fever thermometers
Automobile and marine flares
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
Computers
Monitors
Printers
Copiers
Fax machines
Televisions
Stereo equipment
Microwaves
Consumer electronic items
 
Thank you,
 
Ravi S. Bhalla
Mayor