March 10, 2020

Coronavirus update from Mayor Bhalla

Below is an update from Mayor Bhalla:

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency in New Jersey given the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Hoboken is doing everything possible to protect the safety and well-being of our residents, and to that effect we are following the guidelines provided to us from the State of New Jersey and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Given that our senior population is significantly more vulnerable to COVID-19, I am suspending all daily senior activities at the multi-service center, and senior trips sponsored by the City, until further notice beginning Wednesday, March 11. Our Department of Health and Human Services will be on hand to provide guidance and assistance on Tuesday as we inform our seniors of this of this decision, to protect their health and safety. The multi-service center, especially the gathering location for seniors, will continue to have enhanced sanitizing procedures implemented.

My office has heard reports of possible price gouging for certain products in Hoboken. Given the State of Emergency declared by the Governor, excessive price increases (above 10% of normal cost) are now strictly prohibited. If you believe a business has unfairly raised prices given COVID-19, or if you were the target of a scheme, I encourage you to immediate file a complaint online at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov or call 973-504-6240, as recommended by the State of New Jersey.

I also advise any residents who are able, to work remotely from home, and whenever possible, to avoid large public gatherings. The City will continue to monitor the situation and make a determination on scheduled public meetings later this week.

As of this morning, there are no presumed cases of COVID-19 in Hoboken. If you feel sick, please be sure to stay home. If you are in Hoboken and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should contact your healthcare provider. You may also contact the Hoboken Health Department at 201-420-2000 ext. 5211.

To stay safe, please continue to take regular precautionary measures including washing your hands, covering a cough or sneeze, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Please try to lend a hand to your senior neighbors and share this information with them, or who may need a reminder of appropriate precautions. We’re all one community and together, we’ll do everything we can to stay safe.

For the most up to date information, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at http://www.nj.gov/health or the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov, or call the NJ Department of Health COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Thank you, as always for your cooperation and patience.

Click here for the March 8 COVID-19 update from Mayor Bhalla: https://www.hobokennj.gov/news/update-from-mayor-bhalla-regarding-coronavirus-preparations