Employees and customers at essential businesses in Hoboken must wear protective face “covers” and gloves, Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced Saturday evening.
The directive was issued by the city’s Office of Emergency Management. Businesses that must comply include, but are not limited to supermarkets, pharmacies and all restaurants and food establishments.
Face covers can include a bandana or scarf, or similar material Face masks are also permitted, but N95 masks and other PPE are urged to be left for medical professionals and first responders.
“While this may be uncomfortable, our objective is to provide added protection to both employees and residents in indoor confined spaces with a large amount of people filtering in and out throughout the day,” Bhalla said.
The directive requiring face covering does not replace social distancing. Even when wearing a face cover, social distancing should be observed at all times, the mayor said.
The city’s Health Department said the the city had 17 new COVID-19 cases, bringing Hoboken’s total to 184.
Hoboken has organized a food pantry and has opened a hotline, 551-285-6555, and email contact, [email protected], for residents in need.
The mayor credited local advocate Toni Tomarazzo, members of the Hoboken Community Center, the Community Emergency Response Team, City Council, Office of Emergency Management for making hundreds of meals available for residents who may not have access to three meals a day due to COVID-19.
