Full Notification

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

Impact of COVID-19 in Hoboken
 
The Hoboken Health Department today reported two additional cases of COVID-19, for a total of 569 known, confirmed cases. There were no fatalities, which remain at 29 in Hoboken.
 
Lending a helping hand to our fitness clubs
 
Today, I signed an executive order that permits Hoboken based fitness clubs to utilize certain City fields and parks in order to facilitate safe, socially distanced workouts. We are attempting to be as proactive as we can in anticipation of a reduction in capacity within indoor fitness clubs, and practical limitations within clubs that already have limited square footage. Providing outdoor space to spread out allows for a safe workout, with the requirement that participants be at minimum six feet apart from others at all times.
 
Owners or managers of fitness centers with a license to operate in the City of Hoboken can now apply to host outdoor classes of up to 15 people with strict social distancing guidelines at http://www.hobokennj.gov/outdoorfitness. Each application will be reviewed by City staff on a case by case basis, with additional information requested including class sizes, current indoor capacity, types of workouts requested outdoors, and more.
 
Gyms and fitness clubs are permitted to charge participants the fair market value they would normally charge for indoor classes. Preference will be given for morning and classes at off-peak hours, to minimize the use of parks and fields at times that are highly used by the public. We recognize that not all fitness clubs will choose or are modeled to utilize this option, but for those who can, it serves as added flexibility.
 
Like many industries, our fitness clubs have been hard hit by COVID-19, and we are doing what we can to try to assist in the fairest and safest way possible that makes the best use of our public space. We encourage fitness clubs to utilize outdoor options, in lieu of indoor facilities, whenever logistically possible given recommendations from the CDC.
 
Antibody testing
 
Another 530 residents were tested today for antibodies today at the pop-up site hosted by Prompt MD and Power Analytics, representing over 1,200 residents tested since last week. If you haven’t signed up yet for an antibody test, you can still do so at http://www.hobokennj.gov/antibody, with June 3 serving as the next testing date at the 7^th and Jackson gymnasium. I’m very glad that our residents have this option for testing, and once again extend my thanks to Dr. Islam from Prompt MD, Keith Barksdale from Power Analytics, as well as their staff, and Director Pellegrini and Sgt. William Montanez for organizing the testing logistics.
 
Business Recovery website
 
We have centralized many of our resources for small businesses on our website at http://www.hobokennj.gov/businessrecovery. Businesses can find out more information about applying for streateries, parklets, and open streets to maximize outdoor space, information about COVID-19 testing for business employees, and the new application for fitness clubs to use City parks or fields.
 
Door-to-door senior testing
 
I’m glad to share that we are continuing with our door to door testing of seniors in senior buildings along with Prompt MD and Dr. Islam. Last week, 104 seniors were tested at Fox Hill, with none testing positive. Another 100 seniors were tested at Columbian Towers yesterday, with results anticipated within 48 hours. We will be testing our seniors in another senior building tomorrow.
 
Dog parks
 
We plan to open our dog parks with social distancing and capacity requirements in the next few days. Director Jennifer Gonzalez and I will confirm the exact timing of a re-opening tomorrow, along with the specific guidelines to keep everyone safe.
 
Thank you Hoboken, and please don’t forget to wear your face masks when outdoors.
 
Sincerely,

Ravi S. Bhalla
Mayor