Jersey City Implements 10 p.m. Curfew for Bars; Suspends City Events

(ABOVE: File photo)

Home to one of the most dynamic hospitality scenes in the state, Jersey City is implementing a precautionary 10 p.m. curfew effective immediately for all establishments carrying a liquor license—in an effort to reduce large uncontrolled crowd turnout as a preventative measure to reduce exposing the public to the pandemic COVID-19.

“There is so much uncertainty around testing, who carries the virus, and how quickly it spreads so we want to be overly cautious until we have some answers,” said Mayor Steven Fulop. “The logic here is simple, if the conversation federally and at the state level is around closing schools, or what we would classify as controlled environments, in order to limit the spread of the virus, wouldn’t logic lead us to make sure we are also thinking about large uncontrolled environments until we have more answers? We want to take the necessary steps.”

Further measures outlined in the Executive Order include a requirement for all establishments with allowable public capacity greater than 25 people – such as restaurants, places of worship, and special event venues – to maintain a record of all individuals entering the establishment through a sign-in sheet with information to be used solely for the purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19 by providing means of notification of potential exposure, if necessary.

(ABOVE: Image via The Hutton)

Meanwhile, Meals on Wheels will distribute food to those who are self-quarantined, with thousands of meals prepared to be deployed to those in need. While all senior events are temporarily cancelled, vital resources and services will remain available to those who need it most.

“We’re thinking through all of these issues that most other municipalities aren’t faced with, such as our large uninsured population” said Stacey Flanagan, Director of Health and Human Services. “Every day circumstances are changing, so as we continue to monitor the situation we are making sure that our residents are aware of the resources we’re providing on a city-level until we’re in the clear.”

The Mayor’s Executive Order also establishes further reasonable measures to be implemented immediately:

• All regularly scheduled public meetings held by the city including the City Council, Planning and Zoning Boards, and other governing boards, are cancelled until further notice.
• All other city-sponsored events are cancelled until further notice (including Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade).
• All private events held on city property and all events requiring city permits are cancelled until further notice. This includes events in which a city permit has already been granted.
• All city offices, buildings and departments shall remain open to the public, during normal business hours, by appointment only, until further notice.

While city service are still available, residents must call ahead and schedule appointments. The city also has established a hotline for anyone exhibiting symptoms or who has been exposed to the virus. Residents are urged to self-quarantine and then call the hotline at 201 547-5208. For general information and updates, please visit www.jcnj.org/coronavirus. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for Jersey City’s SwiftReach reverse call alert system for advisories and updates.

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