Mayor Davis Explains Bayonne’s State of Emergency Declaration

Following his announcement that he declared a State of Emergency today due to the Coronavirus, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis explained what that means and what it does not mean. Mayor Davis said, “When situations dictate, a State of Emergency (SoE) can be declared at the municipal, county, state, and federal level.”  Mayor Davis continued, “Normally, in our area we are accustomed to seeing an SoE declared during snow storms. These SoE’s also come with ‘Snow Emergency’ provisions. These provisions allow for certain traffic/parking regulations and snow emergency routes, etc. There have been times when a ‘Travel Restriction’ is attached to an SoE that would limit normal travel by residents.”  For example, these provisions have included not using certain streets or vehicles, due to the ice and snow. 

Mayor Davis added, “A function of the current State of Emergency is to allow our city to expedite the procurement of materials and services, as well as enable us to apply for funding from higher levels of government.”

Mayor Davis explained, “The SoE that I declared today is mostly a ‘process’ declaration, so that our city can procure supplies and allow us to receive assistance from the County, State or Federal governments, should funding become available.” 

Mayor Davis elaborated, “There have been NO restrictions on the general public with this SoE, other than canceling large public events, as I stated earlier. It is important to note that City Hall is open, businesses are open, parking rules remain in effect, garbage is on regular schedule, and there are no travel restrictions. Again, this State of Emergency was declared out of an abundance of caution, to allow city government to do everything we can to keep our community safe. There is no need for panic or fear. Go about your business, but keep in mind all the tips that have been given out to help curb the spread of this virus. Be safe Bayonne!”