Hoboken reports there have been no city residents who have passed from the coronavirus in ten days:
Advisory: Update from Mayor Bhalla on COVID-19 (5/4)
Impact of COVID-19
The Hoboken Health Department reported six new positive, confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, and five on Saturday. Most importantly, over the previous 10 days, there have been no fatalities among our senior population due to COVID-19. As of yesterday evening, there are 507 known, confirmed cases in Hoboken with 23 total fatalities.
The week of April 26 represented the third consecutive week of a reduction in new, positive COVID-19 cases.
Week of March 15: Average of 2.6 cases per day
Week of March 22: 9.4 cases per day
Week of March 29: 14 cases per day
Week of April 5: 15.4 cases per day
Week of April 12: 14 cases per day
Week of April 19: 12 cases per day
Week of April 26: 5 cases per day
Riverside continues to provide additional testing for all residents, both with and without COVID-19 symptoms. From Tuesday – Saturday of last week, Riverside tested 274 residents, of which 16 were positive. These reports have been provided to the Health Department and reflected in the daily totals. Dr. Brahmbhatt and his staff have provided this critical service with rapid, 15-minute tests, one of the only testing sites in the region to test asymptomatic people and utilize rapid tests, and I very much appreciate them going above and beyond for our community.
As a reminder, if you need a test, you can obtain one even if you do not have symptoms. Please call our City Hall hotline through our Community Emergency Response Team at 201-420-5621 Monday through Saturday, 9 am until 5 pm.
Based in part on the positive trend of data, a two week decrease in cases, and other factors, we will be providing an updated timeline tomorrow on the first phase of a gradual re-opening of Hoboken parks.
We must continue to remain vigilant to beat COVID-19
Despite the additional data demonstrating a decrease in cases, it is still extremely important for each and every one of us to remain vigilant as we continue to fight this virus. All of us would like nothing better than to get back to normal without fear for our health and safety. However, relaxing on our diligent social distancing could result in a second wave of cases and prolong this crisis even longer for our region.
Even though the weather is getting nicer, the virus hasn’t disappeared. I was disappointed to see so many people walking around outside without face covers like the virus didn’t exist over the weekend. We must continue practicing social distancing and wearing face masks or face covers at all times outdoors.
Hoboken, we’ve made so much progress together to this point. We can’t let up now. Let’s continue to take the necessary precautions to stay home whenever possible, and when we’re outside, to social distance while wearing face masks. A little bit of discomfort can make a life-saving difference and is greatly appreciated by our first responders, doctors, nurses and front-line workers.
Schools closed for in-school instruction for remainder of school year
Governor Phil Murphy announced today that all New Jersey schools will remain closed for in-person instruction for the rest of the school year. This is the prudent thing to do and will ensure the health and safety of our children, parents and educators are not jeopardized.
Senior testing, door to door
Our door to door testing of seniors continues on Wednesday, at a second Hoboken senior building. Thanks again to Dr. Islam from Prompt MD and his staff for continuing to provide this service for our seniors.
As always, thank you Hoboken and please continue to stay safe.
Sincerely,
Ravi S. Bhalla
Mayor