Hoboken Extends State Of Emergency Indefinitely Amid Coronavirus

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced in a nightly newsletter on Monday that he was extending the city's state of emergency indefinitely, to continue slowing the spread of coronavirus so hospitals don't become overwhelmed.

"The State of Emergency we declared in Hoboken on March 12 is extended, along with all current rules, regulations and closures, until further notice," he wrote.

He added, "Medical experts are anticipating New Jersey is near its apex, and we must continue to do everything possible to promote self-isolation and remain home at all practical times. The continued closure of city parks in particular continues to be necessary in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

Earlier that day, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey's new death toll was 2,443. Murphy also released numbers of those hospitalized. Read more.

The first announced deaths from coronavirus in the United States were just a little over a month ago. As of Monday, the U.S. death toll was up to 23,529.

Bhalla wrote Monday night, "One common and understandable question I have been receiving is about when I think Hoboken will re-open its restaurants, businesses, and more. The unfortunate answer is while we’re hopeful it will be safe to do so in the near future, the reality is we don’t know for sure."

Many restaurants are still open for delivery and takeout, but some have closed temporarily. Patch is keeping a list to which restaurants and other businesses can add updates. See the list here.

"To re-open our region without proper protocols and medical experts advising to do so could be dangerous and lead to a further spread of COVID-19," Bhalla wrote. "I’m glad that today, Governor Murphy and governors from New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts formed a regional advisory council as a part of a joint effort to guide the region’s re-opening." (Read more here.)

Bhalla offered good news: He had no new coronavirus-related deaths to report in Hoboken in the last 24 hours.

This was not the case two days before.

Saturday night, Bhalla wrote, "Today, the Hoboken Health Department reported an additional 15 confirmed COVID-19 cases for a total of 293 cases, with an unfortunate two fatalities as a female in her early 80s and another female in her late 70s ... If you are a senior or know of a senior who needs assistance, please do not hesitate to utilize the COVID-19 senior hotline at 201-420-5625."

He talked about a resident who was a familiar face.

"I’m saddened to share that one of our recently deceased was Josefina Viruet, a 79-year-old who lived on Hudson Street," he wrote Saturday. "Josie was well known in the community for her routine of walking her dog and stopping to chat with police officers by the headquarters every day. The mother of Hoboken Firefighter Danny Soto, Retired Hoboken Police Officer Frank Soto, and grandmother of Hoboken Police Officer Tyler Soto, Josie will be missed by all who used to talk to her and observe first-hand her positive spirit. My deepest condolences are with the Soto family and the entire police and fire departments."

Many are mourning lost loved ones in the city, including two police detectives who lost their mother to coronavirus recently. Police Chief Ken Ferrante Tweeted on Monday that Detective Fabian Quinones received a warm welcome when he returned to work following the passing of his mom, Carmen Rivera.

For more of the mayor's Monday message, click here.

To reach out to Patch, email caren.lissner@patch.com