Hoboken Plans Candlelight Vigil, And Other Coronavirus Updates

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken residents have been applauding and banging pots and pans each night at 7 p.m. to thank essential workers for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, but there's one group that hasn't been honored during the observance — those who've passed away.

City officials have encouraged residents to remember those who've passed by holding a (fire safe) candle in their windows and joining in a moment of silence at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

In fact, in the last week, the state of New Jersey has seen record high death rates. On Thursday, Gov. Phil Murphy said 460 New Jerseyans had been lost to the virus in 24 hours, or one person every three minutes.

By Sunday, 7,871 people had died of coronavirus in New Jersey, and 126,744 have been diagnosed. However, officials say that emergency measures started a little over six weeks ago are working.

The purpose of the recent isolation and social distancing measures has been to slow the spread of the virus, and avoid overwhelming hospitals.

In his most recent nightly update about coronavirus, Mayor Ravi Bhalla said on Friday night that the city had gone one week without a fatality. The city has had 489 confirmed cases and 23 deaths attributed to the virus.

Most of those who've been lost have been seniors. After questions were raised by City Council representatives including Tiffanie Fisher and Ruben Ramos last month, the city has begun pre-emptively testing residents in senior apartments, starting with one building last week.

The state has lost many of its residents in nursing homes. Over the weekend, state officials indicated they will ask the National Guard to help with staffing at the facilities, after pleas from a prominent doctor and other officials.

Meanwhile, schools in Hoboken have been closed since March 16. Gov. Murphy announced Monday that they're closed for the rest of the school year. READ MORE.

Here are other recent Hoboken coronavirus updates from Patch and around the web:

• The county opened some of its parks over the weekend, but the city of Hoboken is holding off. READ MORE.
• There are now several locations where residents can get tested, including rapid testing. Developments are changing daily; call Call 201-420-5621 for more information. READ MORE.
• Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante has been posting photos of the city and updates on how the city's emergency workers are dealing with the virus. He also said that the police can help kids celebrate their "quarantine birthdays," in the absence of a party.
• The police also recently stood in tribute outside the building of a woman celebrating her 93rd birthday.
• Some have attributed Hoboken's relatively low number of deaths to early shutdown measures, but others point out that some residents have left town to stay in their vacation homes or with parents.
• Jersey City said on Sunday that its annual July 4 celebration and concert have been canceled. In the past, Snoop Dog, Pitbull, and Akon have performed.

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