Hoboken Coronavirus Case Numbers Are Finally Falling

HOBOKEN, NJ — New coronavirus cases are on the decline in Hoboken, but still continue to be a factor, according to Mayor Ravi Bhalla's weekly virus update on Tuesday.

In the past six days, Hoboken has seen 65 new cases of the virus. This is a lower number than in recent weeks (note, however, that those weeks contained seven days' results). In past weeks, the city saw: 172 new cases (week ending April 11), 221 cases, 193 cases, 163, and 188.

Currently, Hoboken's hospital is treating 10 people with the virus, Bhalla said. For the first time in months, none are Hoboken residents.

This may be because thousands of adults in the city have been vaccinated, with local pharmacies now saying there is no wait for the shot. READ MORE: More Pharmacies In Hoboken Have COVID Shot

Any New Jersey resident aged 16 and up became eligible for the coronavirus vaccine a week ago Monday.

Bhalla that the Hoboken Health Department and Carepoint's hospital in Hoboken have administered 7,340 Moderna or Pfizer first doses to Hoboken residents, along with 3,547 Moderna or Pfizer second doses. In partnership with local pharmacies, 215 Johnson & Johnson single-doses have been given.

Bhalla said that after a pause for safety reasons, the city will resume vaccine clinics with the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine this week, as well as a program for homebound seniors.

On Friday, a CDC Panel recommended resuming the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after reviewing reports of 13 women getting blood clots — three fatal — out of 7.98 million receiving the shot. Now, the shot will come with a warning about clotting. READ MORE: More Time Needed On Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine: CDC Panel

Pfizer and J&J shots available in Hoboken, and more numbers

See this list of where to get a vaccine in Hoboken and Hudson County. In addition, the county said 600 appointments will be available this week. https://hudsoncovidvax.org/

Bhalla said Tuesday that the Hoboken Health Department and Medicine Man Pharmacy & Compounding would administer 25 Johnson & Johnson vaccines at a clinic that day. See appointment information at: www.hobokennj.gov/medicinemanvaccine.

Bhalla said, "The CDC and FDA have been clear: the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is highly effective, and the benefits far outweigh the potential risks. I encourage residents who have not yet been vaccinated to consider the advantages of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine at today’s clinic."

He added, "One of the best ways you can help Hoboken and our region overcome the pandemic is to encourage your friends and family to get vaccinated. If you have a moment, please consider sharing the facts about the vaccine – that they are safe, effective, will help prevent serious illness, and protects our entire community – and not just the person getting the shot. Encouragement from a trusted friend or family member can go a long way, and I ask each of you to please consider doing so when appropriate."

Bhalla also said that Hoboken continues to receive a weekly supply of 1,170 Pfizer vaccines. He said, "For those ages 16 and up who would like to get the Pfizer vaccine through the Hoboken Health Department, please register now at the following link: www.hobokennj.gov/vaccinesignup. The Hoboken CERT Team is also available to help residents without internet access, by calling 201-420-5621, Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., or leaving your name, number and address on the voicemail."

Bhalla said there have been 4,902 known, confirmed cases of the virus in Hoboken since the start of the pandemic, along with 50 COVID-19 related fatalities. The last fatality was reported earlier this month.

Blood drive Friday

The next city-sponsored blood drive will take place this Friday at the Multi Service Center (124 Grand Street) from 12 noon-6 p.m., Bhalla noted. You must have an appointment to donate, and please be sure to wear a mask. Those who are symptomatic or who have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID within the last 14 days will not be eligible to donate. To sign up for an appointment, please visit: https://donor.cbsblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/53335

Need food or supplies?

Bhalla noted that the HFP Family2Family program through the Hoboken Community Center is available for Hoboken residents in need of any non-food items. Items include (but are not limited to): diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, hygiene items, sanitary supplies, adult diapers, pet food, etc. at 1301 Washington Street (Hoboken Community Center). The Hoboken Community Center is hosting a Family2Family pickup today (Tuesday) from 9-11 a.m.

See Bhalla's full update here.

It's not over

Meanwhile, in New Jersey on Friday, there were 27 new confirmed deaths in the state from the virus since the previous day, bringing the New Jersey toll to 22,717. There were 2,114 hospitalizations as of Wednesday, the last day the state hospitalization numbers were released.

As of Friday, across the country, approximately 570,977 Americans had died of the virus. (You can see which states had the highest death toll in the past week on this CDC map, and see how each county is doing with this CDC link.

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