Full Notification

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

Impact of COVID-19 in Hoboken
 
The Hoboken Health Department has reported the following new COVID-19 cases in Hoboken:
 
October 4: 5
October 5: 7
October 6: 4
October 7: 4
October 8: 7
October 9: 1
 
The age group with the highest rise in cases remains those residents in the 17-30 age group. The Health Department has not reported any known super-spreader events, or large clusters of cases from one location. As of today, 833 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. 748 residents have been reported as fully recovered. Fatalities remain unchanged at 31 total. The Hoboken University Medical Center (HUMC) has reported additional hospitalizations, as well as patients on ventilators.
 
The State of New Jersey has reported significant recent increases in positive COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and patients in intensive care as well. On Thursday, the State saw the largest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases (1,301) since May. The statewide positivity rate from October 4 was 3.69%, while the statewide rate of transmission is currently 1.22. (anything above a rate of 1 means the virus is spreading). Governor Murphy has reported a surge of cases in Ocean County and Monmouth County, and I urge residents to avoid traveling to Cities in these two counties if at all possible.
 
Update on testing
 
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) hotline (201-420-5621) will be closed on Monday and re-open on Tuesday between 9 am and 1 pm. Prompt MD will not be utilizing the testing site at 605 Jackson Street on Monday, however residents can schedule a test with Prompt MD at their facility on 1^st Street, with information on obtaining a test available at http://www.promptmd.com. Prompt MD will resume testing up to 350 residents at 605 Jackson Street the following week.
 
Unfortunately, due to unavoidable construction next to the Riverside testing site under the 14^th Street Viaduct, wait times for a test may have recently been longer than normal. We apologize for the inconvenience, and expect the construction to conclude next week.
 
Thank you to residents and potential second wave
 
First, I want to express my sincere thanks to the many residents who continue to take precautions to keep themselves and our community safe. It is most certainly difficult to make the many sacrifices necessary to continually avoid high-risk situations, and I know first-hand the substantial efforts so many of us are making on a daily basis. Thank you for caring for the well-being of our community.
 
As mentioned before, it is important for all of us to continue taking the virus extremely seriously, especially given the uptick in cases. The New Jersey Health Commissioner, as well as other health experts, are predicting a second wave of cases in the State as we approach the colder months. Our City has done so much to overcome this virus during the past several months – we can’t afford to go back to the way it was during the height of the virus when we lost 31 of our most treasured community members.
 
As always, the best way to stay safe is to take the following precautions: wear a face mask when around others, social distance, avoid large gatherings, and wash your hands. And, as mentioned in the previous update, please continue to assume that anyone you come into contact with could have the virus, especially now that cases are rising in New Jersey.
 
Indoor parties and birthday parties can lead to super-spreader events
 
I’m concerned learning about various indoor parties occurring in Hoboken, which range from indoor birthday parties for children and large house parties with adults. Children are not immune from COVID-19, and are the least likely to social distance when around others. Indoor birthday parties could not just affect the health and safety of those attending children, but could very well lead to positive cases that could jeopardize in-person learning in our schools. If hosting any get-togethers with children, please ensure that face masks are utilized at all practical times, and prioritize outdoor spaces as opposed to indoors.
 
Additionally, we’re also hearing reports of house parties that have occurred over the past several weeks, with the police having to be called in one instance, as well as residents attending house parties in other locations. I am urgently asking all residents, of all ages – please avoid indoor parties, which could easily turn into super-spreader events with cases that are difficult to trace, like ones we have seen on the news.
 
If you’re sick, please stay home
 
The Hoboken Health Department has reported that some children have been attending school when not feeling well or with some symptoms of COVID-19. I ask all parents, and residents of any age – if you believe you or your child has any type of symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.
 
Testing guidelines
 
With an increase in cases, many residents and community members have come into contact with those who have tested positive for COVID-19. One common mistake we are seeing from those individuals that may have been exposed, is getting a COVID-19 test too early after exposure. If you had a contact with someone who ended up testing positive, the Hoboken Health Department strongly recommends getting a test at least 5-7 days after the exposure incident. If, for example, a resident was in close contact with a friend on Monday, and learned on Tuesday that the friend tested positive. Getting a test on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday could very well lead to a false negative, when in fact getting a test the following week could show a positive result.
 
When to quarantine
 
Many residents have reached out wondering when to quarantine. If you had a high-risk exposure to someone with COVID-19, which includes contact of over 10 minutes, living in the same household, attending an indoor gathering together without face masks, spending prolonged time with the individual on the athletic field, or other similar situations, not only should you get a COVID-19 test at least 5-7 days after the potential exposure, you should quarantine for a full 14 days – even with a negative test. It’s certainly not fun to quarantine and stay indoors for the full 14 days, but it’s what we need to do to keep our community safe.
 
If the exposure to an individual with COVID-19 was low-risk, which includes brief interactions with face masks, attending the same fitness class while adhering to social distancing, passing by an individual in the hallway without interacting, and more, a 14 day quarantine is not necessary but residents should exercise caution and avoid contact with others, and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
 
How to take precautions before seeing relatives
 
Given that a COVID-19 test likely may not detect a positive result in the few days after a harmful exposure, simply getting a test the morning before seeing relatives may not be sufficient. To be safe, residents should quarantine for at least 5-7 days or do everything possible to avoid exposure situations, before getting tested and seeing relatives or friends, and suggest you ask the same of your relatives or friends.
 
Please monitor recreation programs
 
During certain outdoor sports, recreation activities, and more, we are noticing more congregation and close contact of children when entering and leaving fields. If you are a parent or coach, I respectfully ask that you help facilitate social distancing and the wearing of face masks when not on the athletic field. I also ask the same of all instructors and participants at our outdoor adult fitness activities on our fields.  
 
Extending outdoor fitness through the end of the year
 
Despite entering the colder weather months, we will continue allowing our gyms and fitness clubs to utilize our field space through at least the end of the year. It is my hope that gyms and fitness clubs will take advantage of this option, given the safer environment of the outdoors.
 
Upcoming Blood Drive October 12^th
 
The next City-sponsored blood drive will take place Monday, October 12th at the Multi Service Center (124 Grand Street) from 12 noon - 6pm with Vitalant New Jersey. You must have an appointment to donate, and please be sure to wear a mask. 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 go to:
https://donor.cbsblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/52670.  
 
As always, thank you Hoboken and please stay safe.
 
Sincerely,
 
Ravi S. Bhalla
Mayor