Official release:
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Advisory: Update from Mayor Bhalla regarding COVID-19 - State of Emergency declared by Hoboken Office of Emergency Management
Today, our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has declared a State of Emergency in Hoboken as we continue to make preparations to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Although there are no confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Hoboken, this action will allow OEM and the City to take proactive action in the days and weeks ahead to protect the health and safety of our residents. To that end, all non-essential City-run events and meetings have been canceled until further notice, effective March 13, 2020. This includes:
The Office of Emergency Management has authorized the construction of a medical tent on 4th Street outside of the Hoboken University Medical Center to help manage the anticipated surge of patients given COVID-19. As recommended by the Hoboken Health Department, if you are a resident of Hoboken and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should contact your healthcare provider first instead of going to the emergency room. Carepoint is urging all residents to observe this protocol to keep the emergency room available for those needing critical emergency care. I am strongly discouraging any larger discretionary gatherings within the City of Hoboken. If you are planning on holding an event, please consider rescheduling it to a later date, to help protect the safety of our residents. If you are planning on coming to Hoboken City Hall for any service, please be sure to call ahead to book an appointment, and speak to City staff over the phone instead if possible. Many municipal functions, especially in our Hoboken Parking Utility, can be completed online at http://www.hobokennj.gov as opposed to in person. If you are having a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1. You may also contact the Hoboken Health Department at 201-420-2000 ext. 5211 if you believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19. It is critically important for residents to stay home if you are sick and remain home for at least 24 hours until symptoms resolve. It is essential to continue washing and sanitizing your hands frequently. Please work from home if you can for the near future. Additional information will be provided from the Hoboken Health Department on guidance provided to local schools regarding COVID-19. Although there may be a temporary inconvenience to residents as we address the response to COVID-19, know that all actions are to keep our residents safe and prevent the potential spread of COVID-19. Thank you to all residents for your continued patience and cooperation. Sincerely, Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla |
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| The reality; we have to face it's going to get worse and it's critically important to get ahead with containment measures. |
Talking Ed Note: Mayor Ravi Bhalla is following on the correct steps required to deal with the ChiCom-Wuhan Virus. The preparation being taken at Hoboken University Medical Center is seismic. Don't underestimate the importance of containment.
In order to contain the impact, the spread of the virus must be combatted. The alternative and the clock is always ticking. See Italy for an outcome when no measures of any import were taken as in the EU itself.
