Full Notification

Below is an update from Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla on COVID-19:
 
The Hoboken Health Department reports the following, new COVID-19 cases since the last update:
 
August 3: 5
August 4: 8
August 5: 13
August 6: 21
August 7: 6
August 8: 5

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Hoboken has had 5,252 known, confirmed cases while fatalities remain unchanged at 52. There are currently seven individuals hospitalized at Hoboken University Medical Center, which include four Hoboken residents; none of whom are vaccinated.  
 
Contact tracing from Hoboken Health Department
 
As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the Hoboken Health Department conducts regular contact tracing with any Hoboken resident who contracts COVID-19. Based on contact tracing, the following trends in recent cases have been reported:  

-Exposed via another household or family contact
-Attended the St. Ann’s Feast
-Attended a large event such as BBQ, baby shower, wedding, sports venue, or crowded bar
-Attended social gatherings of family and friends
-Travel to the Jersey Shore and upstate New York
-Travel both domestic and international
-Children exposed at extracurricular activities, daycare and summer camp
-No exact known point of exposure
 
From August 1 until August 6, out of the 40 total cases, 23 unvaccinated individuals contracted COVID-19, while 17 fully vaccinated individuals experienced breakthrough cases. Of those 23 unvaccinated cases, four were hospitalized. No Hoboken residents who have been fully vaccinated and contracted COVID-19 have been hospitalized, demonstrating that the vaccine is working as intended. This is all the more of a reason to get vaccinated as soon as possible, if you have not already.
 
Ages of recent COVID-19 cases
 
From July 30 until August 6, the age breakdown of COVID-19 cases in Hoboken is as follows:
 
0-16: 9
17-30: 41
31-40: 18
41-50: 7
51-60: 2
61-75: 0
76+: 2
 
Updated Hoboken vaccination rate

All ages: 69% (first dose)
18 and over: 77% (first dose)
30 and over: 87% (first dose)
65 and over: nearly 100% (first dose)

All ages: 63% (second dose)
18 and over: 71% (second dose)
30 and over: 80% (second dose)
65 and over: 96% (second dose)
 
New Jersey breakthrough cases update
 
According to data provided by Governor Murphy and the State of New Jersey, hospitalizations and serious illness are extremely rare occurrences among the fully vaccinated.
 
In New Jersey, there have been 4,981,445 fully vaccinated individuals as of July 26^th. Among the fully vaccinated, there have been:
 
7,112 COVID-19 cases (0.14%)
212 COVID-19 related hospitalizations (0.004%)
50 COVID-19 related deaths (0.001%)
 
From July 20th – July 26th, fully vaccinated individuals accounted for:
 
18.5% of all new COVID+ cases (803 of 4,332)
3% of all new hospitalizations (11 of 378)
0% of all COVID-related deaths (0 of 21)
 
The evidence makes it clear that the COVID-19 vaccines work, prevent serious illness and hospitalizations, and will almost certainly protect you in the uncommon instance of a breakthrough case.
 
Reminder: small business grant applications due on Wednesday
 
As a reminder, Hoboken is providing a second round of funding opportunities to our local small businesses to help cover costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, through our allocation of the American Rescue Plan. $2 million is allocated for Hoboken businesses that have 25 employees or less, with an extra bonus for those businesses that have at least 75% of their employees vaccinated. The application deadline for businesses is on Wednesday, August 11 (end of day).
 
For more information, criteria and to apply, please visit: www.hobokennj.gov/grants.
 
Masks required in schools at beginning of upcoming school year
 
Last week, Governor Murphy announced that all students, educators, staff, and visitors will be required to wear face masks regardless of vaccination status for the start of the 2021-2022 school year. While I know that we all had hoped that the pandemic would be in remission at this point, I respect and support the difficult decision Governor Murphy had to make given the resurgence of the virus and the delta variant. I know all of our schools are taking as many precautions as possible to create a safe learning environment for our children, especially those under 12 years of age who don’t yet have the ability to get vaccinated.
 
Stevens Institute of Technology instituting vaccine requirement for all students, faculty and staff
 
I thank Stevens Institute of Technology President Nariman Farvardin and Chief of Staff Beth McGrath for staying in touch with my administration and for the decision Stevens has made to require the COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, staff and faculty for the upcoming school year. While it may not have been universally popular with the entirety of the student body, the reality is that our residents will have much less of a chance of contracting the virus from a fully vaccinated student population. I appreciate the policy that was adopted and am glad to see other colleges and universities across the country adopt similar policies.
 
Spaghetti dinner update
 
In an effort to promote a safe space for residents in City-sponsored activities, we are now requiring proof of vaccination for those residents and individuals 12 years of age and up for the upcoming Spaghetti Dinner Block Party on August 26. Along with a ticket, proof of vaccination will be required for entry. Children under 12 should wear a face mask upon entry. We made this decision based on the fact that a number of seniors attend this event, and we want to protect our most vulnerable population to the greatest extent possible.
 
To purchase tickets, which are $40 for adults, $15 for children under 12 and $20 for seniors, or $400 to reserve a table for 10, please visit www.hobokennj.gov/register until August 16.
 
Testing and vaccination schedule
 
Hoboken is continuing to provide additional testing days at 605 Jackson Street, in partnership with Medicine Man Pharmacy and Compounding, Prompt MD and the State of New Jersey at 605 Jackson Street and 221 Jackson Street. The Hoboken Health Department is also partnering with Medicine Man Pharmacy and Compounding for vaccination clinics throughout August
 
View Hoboken’s updated vaccine schedule: www.hobokennj.gov/vaccine
 
View Hoboken’s updated testing schedule: www.hobokennj.gov/testing
 
Additionally, the COVID-19 vaccine is available at the following locations by appointment or walk-in:
 
Medicine Man Pharmacy and Compounding
511 Washington Street
Hours: 10 am – 6 pm, Monday – Friday; 10 am – 2 pm, Saturday
Phone: 201-942-9777
Website: https://www.medicinemanrx.com/
Vaccines available: Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson
 
Hoboken Family Pharmacy
307 1^st Street
Hours: 9 am – 7 pm, Monday – Friday; 9 am – 3 pm, Saturday
Phone: 201-420-7777
Website: https://hfprx.com/
Vaccines available: Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson
 
Better Life Pharmacy
1000 Washington Street
Hours: 10 am – 7 pm, Monday – Friday; 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday
Phone: (201) 659-8492
Website: https://betterlifepharmacy.org/
Vaccines available: Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson
 
CVS (downtown)
59 Washington Street
Hours: 24 hours/day
Phone: (201) 798-1889
Website: http://www.cvs.com
Vaccine available: Moderna
 
CVS (midtown)
811 Clinton Street
Hours: 8 am – 11 pm, Monday - Sunday
Phone: (201) 420-4825
Website: http://www.cvs.com
Vaccine available: Pfizer
 
CVS (uptown)
210 14^th Street
Hours: 7 am – 11 pm, Monday – Sunday
Phone: (201) 420-3286
Website: http://www.cvs.com
Vaccine available: Moderna
 
Walgreens (downtown)
101-105 Washington Street
Hours: 6 am – 12 pm, Monday - Sunday
Phone: 201-830-2410
Website: http://www.walgreens.com
Vaccine available: Pfizer
 
Walgreens (uptown)
1300 Willow Avenue
Hours: 9 am – 9 pm, Monday – Friday; 9 am – 6 pm, Saturday; 10 am – 6 pm, Sunday
Phone: 201-798-0558
Website: http://www.walgreens.com
Vaccine available: Pfizer
 
Walgreens (uptown, 2^nd location)
1320 Shipyard Lane
Hours: 7 am – 12 am, Monday - Sunday
Phone: 201-876-0040
Website: http://www.walgreens.com
Vaccine available: Moderna
 
Reminder of safety precautions
 
As provided last week, we continue to recommend the following precautions to help curb the spread of the delta variant in our area:
 
-Wearing a face mask in crowded, indoor settings, or when in close contact with others who may not be fully vaccinated, or vaccination status unknown
-Wearing a face mask outdoors when social distancing is not possible, especially when near individuals where the vaccination status is unknown
-Avoiding vacations to areas of low vaccination rates/high transmission rates
-Prioritizing socialization with those who are fully vaccinated
-Limiting exposure to large indoor crowded events
-Prioritizing outdoor activities and socialization whenever possible
-Keeping playdates for children, especially those under 12, outdoors and small in groups

Businesses going above and beyond to keep customers safe
 
I want to conclude this update by highlighting two businesses which have been going above and beyond to keep their customers safe. First, Fit Foundry (a fitness gym, www.fitfoundry.com) requires all of employees to be fully vaccinated, as well as a vaccination or face mask for all participants. As a result, nearly 98% of customers are vaccinated. Additionally, Prime Cycle requires a vaccination or face mask at all classes for participants and staff, and will be introducing classes in the near future for vaccinated individuals only (visit www.primecyle.com later this week for more details).
 
I thank the staff from both gyms for doing their part to help keep our community safe.
 
With everyone doing their part, I know we can continue to keep our community safe. Please encourage your friends and family who have not already done so, to get vaccinated, and help protect our City.  
 
Sincerely,

Ravi S. Bhalla
Mayor