WEEHAWKEN
April 9, 2020 @ 7:00PM
WEEHAWKEN CORONAVIRUS Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How can I Help???
A: IMPORTANT North Hudson (Weehawken, Union City, West New York, North Bergen & Guttenberg) has set up a joint testing center that will be open on Monday, April 6th for our communities. We are requesting medical volunteers who wish to assist at a drive-thru North Hudson coronavirus testing center. The medical professionals will have full protective equipment gear on at all times during testing procedures. Volunteers will be asked to perform oral or nasal swabs on patients. The following professionals are allowed to volunteer at the site: active or retired Dentists, Emergency Medical Technicians, Laboratory Technicians, Medical Technicians, Nurses, Paramedics, Perfusionists, Physician Assistants, Physicians, and Respiratory Care Practitioners. If you are interested in volunteering, please email volunteer@tow-nj.net. Please include your name, phone number, and what level of medical training you have.
Q: Why are people still allowed on the public walkways/ sidewalks?
A: The State of emergency only deals with the issues outlined in the Township notices. Passive areas such as sidewalks and walkways are not closed under the State of emergency. When the curfew begins at 10:00 p.m., the police will be notifying anyone on these public walkways that they should go home. If someone is walking a dog, they can be out for a limited time. During non-curfew hours, the federal guideline is that no more than 10 people should gather at any location. This may change at any hour or day, given the circumstances, and we will inform you immediately. At all times you should all be practicing social distancing, approximately six feet apart for your safety and everyone else’s.
Q: Can I know the name and address of a person who’s tested positive?
A: No. Federal and State law prohibit the dissemination of this information to the general public. Once the Department of Health and the Health officer have a coronavirus case, they will interview the patient and anyone who that person has come in close contact with. All the orders, regulations, and guidelines that have been issued are to prevent the spread of the disease from those that do not know they have it. Any positive case has already been hospitalized or is recovering at home and is under a doctor’s care. Practicing social distancing (not congregating in large groups, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distances of approximately six feet from others), washing and sanitizing hands frequently, and working from home if able, is designed to curtail the spread of the coronavirus
Q: What if I feel sick or want to be tested for the coronavirus?
A: First, if you think you have been exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19) and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. If you do not have a doctor, you can use Hackensack Meridians ConvenientCareNow.com service, which is an online doctor visit via telemedicine. There is a $20.00 fee; please use promo code HMH20 for a discount. This site was mentioned in the Governors press conference on March 19th.
Q: Should I call an ambulance if I feel the following symptoms, fever, cough, or difficulty breathing?
A: First, don’t panic. Your symptoms could be allergies, common cold, or flu, but it’s best to be sure. You have a few different options for receiving care. If you’re showing symptoms, such as fever and cough, the safest place to be for you and everyone else is in your home. Contact Your Primary Care Physician First: When you have mild symptoms that are not life-threatening, call your doctor’s office first before calling 911 or going to the emergency room. Most people with mild symptoms will be told to isolate at home. Your physician can also determine if you should be tested for COVID-19 and where to go for that test. Contact Your Primary Care Physician First: In case of a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911. That means difficulty breathing or another emergency medical condition. If your symptoms are getting worse, but are not life-threatening, have someone drive you to the Emergency Room, but only after you have called the ER first so they can prepare for your arrival. If you call 911, be honest about your signs and symptoms. Do not embellish the severity of your issues, hoping to get a faster or higher priority response. It could keep us from responding to someone with serious life-threatening symptoms
Q: What to do if I hear about a person with the coronavirus?
A: Do not listen to rumors, follow all the procedures outlined in this notice. Q: What is the difference between 8:00 p.m. closure and the 10:00 p.m. curfew?
A: The 8:00 p.m. closure pertains to non-essential businesses such as dry cleaners, laundromats, and other non-essential retail establishments. This closure time does not apply to restaurants, bars, food establishments, liquor stores, convenience stores, or supermarkets. The 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew requires all residents to stay in their homes, and all businesses to be closed between those hours. This closure time applies to restaurants, bars, food establishments, liquor stores, convenience stores, or supermarkets
Q: May I walk my dog at any time?
A Yes, but please practice social distancing (at least six feet apart).
Q: What are the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Weehawken?
UPDATED A: One Hundred and Twenty-Three residents (so far), 71 of them are active, and 49 of them are cleared (recovered). Unfortunately, 3 residents have died from complications of the coronavirus in area hospitals. The purpose of the regulations put in place is to prevent as many residents as possible from contracting this disease. That is why social distancing is essential.
Thank you for your cooperation; remember, there is no need to panic. We will all get through this together.
Richard F. Turner Mayor