The City of Hoboken has revealed their sixth COVID-19 related death as their overall cases reach 239 and a virtual town hall has been set with Holy Week upon us.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We received notice of an additional 14 positive COVID-19 cases in Hoboken today, with an overall total of 239. Unfortunately, another Hoboken resident passed away today, a male in his mid 50s,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“I extend my sympathies to his family and all those who lost their life due to COVID-19.”
While this is typically a big week for family and friends to come together and celebrate Passover and Easter, plans are going to be markedly different this year with stringent social distancing rules in effect to try and slow the coronavirus surge as much as possible.
In that vein, Bhalla said a virtual town hall with religious leaders will stream on Facebook Live tomorrow to try and keep the holiday spirit alive despite these arduous times.
“Everyone’s celebrations and family gatherings have been altered due to this challenging time, but this does not mean that our holiday spirit is not alive and well,” Bhalla wrote.
“Tomorrow at 12:30 p.m., I am hosting another virtual town hall on Facebook Live to discuss creative ways to celebrate our holidays while maintaining social distance, and also to discuss ways to uplift our spirits during these difficult times. Being far away from family, and physically away from almost all people in our lives may feel a bit lonely and our faith leaders can help us remain connected to one another.”
The faith leaders joining Bhalla are Rev. Elaine Ellis Thomas from All Saints Episcopal, Rabbi Rob Scheinberg from United Synagogue of Hoboken, and Monsignor Michael Andreano from The Catholic Community of Saints Peter and Paul.
This afternoon, the New Jersey Department of Health announced that there are 44,416 coronavirus cases, resulting in 1,232 deaths throughout the state, including 4,949 cases in Hudson County and 103 deaths – both the third most in New Jersey by county.