While Jersey City still has no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, they are erring on the side of caution by cancelling most public events in the next week: including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a police graduation ceremony, zoning and planning board meetings – among other things.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We are canceling all #JerseyCity sponsored (or JC involved events). We will reassess in 1-week,” Fulop said in a series of tweets posted minutes ago.
“Events include the JC St Patrick’s Day Parade, JCPD graduation ceremony, senior events, planning board, zoning board, most recreation events etc. – we are also going to give clear directive to venues that will be hosting private groups of more than 25 ppl to maintain attendance/contact info in the case of confirmed cases + the need to track potential contacts.”
The mandate will take effect at 10 p.m. tonight and run through at least March 20th, so the 6 p.m. council meeting at City Hall, 280 Grove St., is still on.
Additional measures enacted by the city to minimize potential impacts of the virus include making all city offices available by appointment only, as well as public venues like restaurants and bars that hold more than 25 people being asked to track attendance.
“We are asking people to use judgment and to limit public gathering, maintain personal hygiene, and stay home if you feel sick,†Director of Health and Human Services Stacey Flanagan added in a statement.
Fulop added that these policies will remain in place until presumptive positive tests for COVID-19 begin to decrease in the state.
The city announced yesterday that “larger group” senior events would be cancelled until further notice.
This afternoon, Gov. Phil Murphy announced another eight New Jersey residents were diagnosed with the coronavirus, bringing the total number of presumptive positive tests up to 23.
He further stated that there have also been 57 negative tests, 20 tests in process, 37 people under investigation, and one death.
While New Jersey’s coronavirus numbers are increasing, Hudson County has still seen just one positive presumptive case to date, a 32-year-old West New York man who is making a speedy recovery and aiming to return to work next week, as HCV first reported.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with new information.Â
