Update: According to a statement from Mayor Ravi Bhalla on Friday, March 13, the first known positive case of coronavirus in Hoboken was identified as a male in his 40s, who has been kept in self-isolation at home. He is experiencing only mild symptoms and is expected to fully recover.
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has swept across the world, with over 125,000 cases nearing 5,000 deaths across 118 countries and territories. The impending disastrous effects of the coronavirus have caused school districts and universities across the U.S. to go remote for the semester. So far, no cases have been confirmed at Stevens or in Hoboken. However, Stevens has taken the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus by completely moving all classes online and encouraging students to go home if they can. As of now, Stevens plans to welcome students back for regular classes on April 6, 2020 at the earliest. In the meantime, online classes through Zoom meetings are fully underway.
On March 8, Mayor Ravi Bhalla released a statement outlining Hoboken’s response to the coronavirus. He stated that “Hoboken continues to closely monitor the latest developments regarding the coronavirus to keep the public informed.” Considering the rate of spread of the coronavirus, which is about 20% globally (excluding China), having cases in Hoboken is not unlikely. Already, 45 out of 50 states have had reports of coronavirus, with New York being one of them. So far, New York has already had over 300 reported cases.
Mayor Bhalla has also mentioned that his administration has “been in close contact with Governor Murphy’s office and the New Jersey Department of Health to receive regular updates.” Additionally, the various organizations of Hoboken, including Hoboken Health Department, Hoboken Police Department, Hoboken Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Hoboken Public School District, Stevens Institute of Technology, and Mayor Bhalla’s administration team, have joined forces to tackle coronavirus in all city divisions and have preparations in place should the outbreak escalate in Hoboken. Bhalla also mentioned that the city has implemented “enhanced sanitizing procedures in public buildings.”
The New Jersey Department of Health advises that sick residents should stay home to prevent exposing others who are at high risk to the coronavirus. As always, the department advises residents to frequently wash their hands well, avoid touching their face, avoid contact with people who are sick, and to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. For additional information, please visit the New Jersey Department of Health at http://www.nj.gov/health. Residents with additional questions about the coronavirus should contact the NJ Department of Health at 800-222-1222 for further coronavirus updates.
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