COVID-19 CLAMPDOWN: Update on Coronavirus Response in Hoboken & Jersey City

As of March 31, there have been 1,600 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Hudson County, with 25 fatalities. While that number is likely to rise, the local response is squarely aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

1st time I am doing this, a msg to our @CityofHoboken residents, our @HobokenPD officers, all of the medical professionals doing such an awesome job, our business owners and workers. Thank you all for your cooperation, and God Bless our victims and families dealing with COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/uxeWFRosFE

— Chief Ken Ferrante (@KenFerrante) March 30, 2020

While hotly debated on social media, Hoboken’s decision to close parks comes weeks after Jersey City made the same move in an effort to enforce social distancing. Meanwhile, the message is still not reaching everyone.

“Unfortunately, we’ve received reports of social gatherings and parties in Hoboken over the past few days. Social gatherings and parties over five people are strictly prohibited. If you observe a party or know of one happening, I ask you to please call the Hoboken Police Department at 201-420-2100 as soon as possible,” said Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “I want to be clear – COVID-19 can have devastating effects for young people, who are not immune from the virus. If you’re having a party – know that the Hoboken Police Department will crash it and hold all participants accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

The point of all of this is to drastically limit incidents of interaction between people so that this extremely contagious virus has less of an opportunity to perpetuate among the populace. Nevertheless, people still need to get essential items.

Hoboken’s Trader Joe’s has modified their store policy for seniors and vulnerable populations, which are now set between 8 am and 9 am. Starting Friday, April 3, the Hoboken ShopRite announced that it will close at 8:00 pm instead of midnight. It will continue to have senior hours between 7 am and 8 am each day of the week.

Jersey City is extending the same preferential treatment to healthcare workers.

We’re setting aside testing times for grocery store workers as priority for tomorrow + we’ll also be doing healthcare workers. We know front line workers have lots of anxiety w/all the ppl they help daily + we’re grateful. If easier access to testing helps them – we’ll facilitate pic.twitter.com/IofahF3A3y

— Steven Fulop (@StevenFulop) March 31, 2020

Jersey City has over 800 cases of COVID-19, with 35 Police and 13 Firefighters among them.

The City’s testing centers continue to play a vital role in collecting data and initiating treatment.

To all JC residents: Call 201-547-5535 to make an appointment before going.
You must have current symptoms.
Call center is open today and everyday: 9am-5pm.#JCresponds #HealthierJC pic.twitter.com/PAaVASp904

— City of Jersey City (@JerseyCity) March 31, 2020

For those looking to become more proactively involved in the fight, the Front Line Appreciation Group (FLAG) of Hoboken and Jersey City has been established by those looking to help supply food and other items to First Responders in need during this overwhelming medical crisis.

For local businesses impacted by the Coronavirus response, the New Jersey Tech Council (NJTC), is hosting two free online webinars.

• Thursday, April 2nd, 11am-12pm: NJTC Webinar: Q+A with Tim Sullivan, CEO of NJ Economic Developer Authority. The webinar will review the NJEDA’s new programs designed to financially support businesses and workers facing economic hardship due to the outbreak of Covid-19. Before the webinar, please review information and eligibility requirements at cv.business.nj.gov. Please register here to participate: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MlDGpZySRJuKVmb3CojKBA
• Thursday, April 2nd, 1-2pm: NJTC Webinar: CARES Act Explained with Former Senator Barbara Boxer. This webinar will introduce the highlights of the federal bill and discuss how it can be utilized by business owners to best mitigate any risks and damage caused by Covid-19. Please register here to participate: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_spaeDdmLTuWz7sRpR3wqYg

Hoboken Street Cleaning, image via City of Hoboken

Meanwhile, street cleaning remains suspended in Hoboken & Jersey City until April 3 (Thursday).

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