Hoboken Mayor Explains 'Personal Decision' To Protest Amid Virus

HOBOKEN, NJ – Some New Jersey officials have taken heat this week — including Gov. Phil Murphy — for attending large George Floyd protests after repeatedly admonishing New Jersey residents to limit outdoor gatherings in 25 people and to practice social distancing to slow the spread of coronavirus.

As of Monday, a total of 12,176 New Jersey residents had died from the virus in just three months. More than 113,000 Americans have died of the virus in that same period, with numbers slowing as some began isolating. For contrast, the CDC estimates that 61,000 people died of the flu during the entire 2017-2018 flu season.

On Tuesday morning, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, who was among the first to set limits on facilities and businesses in March to slow the spread of the virus, explained why he chose to participate in a protest on Friday that drew more than 7,000 people.

In a Nixle alert with virus updates, Bhalla said:

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Many have asked about the juxtaposition of demonstrations for racial justice, including the one in Hoboken, with the national pandemic of COVID-19. The reality is that systemic racism and its impacts and combatting COVID-19 are both public health issues. People of color have been the subject of institutional racism for generations, which has resulted in the brutal murders of people like George Floyd and so many others, all too often. While it’s unprecedented, I believe it’s our duty to do our part to combat both public health issues to the best of our ability.

This is why my family and I made a personal decision to join in the demonstration on Friday, despite the public health risks associated with participating in demonstrations right now. While residents will make different decisions in this context, I think it is important to be mindful of everyone’s decision, as we are one community and differences in opinion should be respected.

I thank the many residents who also joined and wore face masks and made their best efforts to balance both health issues as best as possible.

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Bhalla had advised those who attended the protest to get a coronavirus test and self-isolate, as had mayors in Princeton and Newark. Gov. Murphy said at his press conference Monday that he and his wife will get tested after attending protests Sunday in Westfield and Hillside.

Tuesday morning, Bhalla also gave information on procedures for reopening outdoor dining at local restaurants starting Monday. Watch for a story on those reopenings soon, and if you're a local business preparing to reopen outdoor dining, email the address below to be included in a roundup.

The protests around the state were held in the wake of the Death of George Floyd, who was killed in Minneapolis on Memorial Day. Four Minneapolis police officers have been criminally charged in connection with Floyd's death, and protests have taken place around New Jersey and the country.

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