Mayor Fulop along with city health and public safety officials have announced that all nonessential city-sponsored and/or city-involved functions will be cancelled for the next 7 days as part of the proactive measures being put into place by the Administration to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The mandate took effect on Wednesday night. Additional guidance on the extension of cancellations will be given on a week-to-week basis. In addition, the city is giving clear requirements for non-city sponsored events to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

“We always want the city to be a leader and proactive in protecting our residents” Mayor Fulop said. “In this case, we are taking reasonable steps and giving clear direction to the community on expectations. We are asking our resident to help us in keeping our community safe.”

Additional measures enacted by the Administration to minimize potential impacts of the virus include:

• All city offices will be appointment-based only, walk-ins will be asked to schedule an appointment in order to be seen.
• All regularly scheduled public meetings held by the city including the City Council, Planning and Zoning Boards, and other governing boards, are cancelled until further notice.
• All private events held on city property and all events requiring city permits are cancelled until further notice. This includes events in which a city permit has already been granted.
• Venues (restaurants, bars, etc.) that hold more than 25 people are being asked to maintain attendance in case of future need to track exposure. Additionally, Jersey City is implementing a 10PM curfew for bars and clubs

Steps area also being taken to care for the city’s senior residents.  Meals on Wheels will distribute food to those who are self-quarantined, with thousands of meals prepared to be deployed to those in need.  While all senior events are temporarily cancelled, vital resources and services will remain available to those who need it most.

“We are asking people to use judgment and to limit public gathering, maintain personal hygiene, and stay home if you feel sick,” said Stacey Flanagan, Director of Health and Human Services.

There are no confirmed cases in Jersey City as of the time of this press conference. Four have been tested, three were negative and the fourth result is pending. The city is being cautious to avoid the potential spread of the virus, especially since we are in close proximity with New York and Bergen County where there are confirmed cases.

To further the city’s efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus, a 24-hour hotline has been set up.  If you suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19, please self-quarantine and call 201-547-5208. To avoid overwhelming medical facilities, and if you believe you may be infected, DO NOT use public transportation to hospitals.  Call the hotline first and you will be directed on where to go and how to get there.

For more information and continuous updates, please visit the city’s dedicated webpage www.jcnj.org/coronavirus.

You can watch the full press conference online: