The Hoboken Health Department reported 11 new cases since Wednesday, Sept. 16., bringing Hoboken’s new total to 754 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, with 691 full recoveries. Fatalities remain unchanged at 31.
According to the Hoboken Health Department, some of the new cases are attributed to members of the same household contracting the virus, as well as those testing positive after coming into contact with close contacts who had the virus. Some of the results may have been delayed due to reporting from laboratories.
Some of those individuals were already in quarantine due to real-time contact tracing from the Hoboken Health Department based on recent infections.
The Health Department reported that there were no clusters of cases from a single source such as an office, restaurant, or gym.
“The uptick in recent cases is not unexpected given reopenings across the region,” said Mayor Ravi Bhalla in an emailed update to residents. “Over the past several days, cases have also risen in New Jersey. I urge residents to continue taking the virus seriously, and to take the precaution to proactively assume that anyone you come into contact with could have COVID-19. This is especially important because of the trend in Hoboken and across the country that many infections have occurred through asymptomatic spread with no apparent symptoms.”
He asked residents to continue to avoid large indoor gatherings, wear a face mask, social distance, and prioritize outdoor activities when possible.
He urged residents to answer calls from the Hoboken Health Department contact tracers and to cooperate with their requests to help identify close contacts and follow the guidance.
He said all information collected is 100 percent confidential.
The Hoboken Health Department has made more than 10,000 calls since the start of the pandemic, according to the city.
This month the city reported that it has seen lower levels of residents getting tested for COVID-19 than in the summer months.
Riverside has received new shipments of rapid testing, which it is currently using at its site under the Viaduct for most tests, along with nonrapid (PCR) tests for any resident who may require one.
It is open six days a week. Call 201-420-5621 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to schedule a test through Riverside.
Prompt MD is conducting testing for up to 350 residents on Monday at the popup site at 605 Jackson St. between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. as well, with appointments available at www.hobokennj.gov/promptmd.
Residents are instructed to bring a government identification or proof of address at the time of testing, along with insurance cards if they have insurance.
