Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla is advising residents not to travel outside of New Jersey to stop the spread of COVID-19, consistent with guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Recent contact tracing from the Hoboken Health Department indicates that recent travel to certain high-risk regions, both in the United States and to other countries, is contributing to COVID-19 infections in Hoboken.
As of Saturday, February 20th, 3,191 cases of the coronavirus had been confirmed, along with 41 related deaths.
“While I know a long-distance vacation during spring break can be tempting due to the stresses of the pandemic, unfortunately it is not the time for non-essential trips outside of New Jersey,” Bhalla said in a statement.
“I encourage residents and families to plan for safer alternatives that take into account the CDC’s advisories and recommendations, to avoid out-of-state travel in the months ahead.”
Additionally, the Hoboken Health Department reported Florida and Mexico as destinations residents have visited, as well as out-of-state ski resorts, and other locations both domestically and internationally that have contributed to recent COVID-19 cases.
The CDC recommends avoiding all travel to over 160 countries and regions carrying a “very high risk” due to high COVID-19 rates. The State of New Jersey has also discouraged all non-essential interstate travel.
According to the CDC, residents who do travel out of state should quarantine for at least one week upon returning home and get tested for COVID-19 at around three to five days after returning.
Those with symptoms should get tested as soon as possible, with the Hoboken Health Department also suggesting anyone who must travel out of state to get tested prior to leaving.
Oh give it a rest already Hoboken… Stop telling us what we know and clean the snow and dog poop.