Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla is calling on everyone who participated in the city’s massive George Floyd protest on Friday to get tested for COVID-19.
“Friday’s demonstration was a powerful statement in the struggle for racial equality,†Mayor Ravi Bhalla began in a statement.
“At the same time, to keep our community safe, I ask any resident who attended the event to please schedule a COVID-19 test given the practical difficulties of social distancing at the demonstration.â€
On the advice of health experts, the city recommends residents who attended the demonstration to self-isolate whenever possible and avoid any contact with vulnerable populations, including the elderly, until receiving the results of a COVID-19 test.
Friday’s rally, hosted by the group Allies 4 Justice, was generally viewed as a success, with some estimating as many as 10,000 demonstrators present and only one arrest being reported – where one protester punched another in the face.
On Tuesday, Bhalla promoted participation in a virtual prayer vigil over the in-person protest, though he ended up taking part in both events.
Residents can schedule a test with their primary care physician or utilize Riverside Medical’s testing facility which is open to all residents by appointment.
To make an appointment for a COVID-19 test through the city’s partnership with Riverside Medical Group, which is open to all residents, please call the Community Emergency Response Team hotline at 201-420-5621 Monday through Friday, from 9 am until 5 pm.
Asymptomatic residents are still eligible to receive a test.
If a resident does not have health insurance, the City will pay for the cost of a test with Riverside Medical. Riverside and the City have also made testing available to any employee of any Hoboken business in advance of a gradual re-opening.
The results of a COVID-19 test at the Riverside site are provided on the spot within 15 minutes.