Jersey City is taking an aggressive stance to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, even though there are no confirmed cases of the virus in the city.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop has imposed a 10 p.m. curfew on all establishments that have a liquor license. This curfew will be in effect for the next seven days.

“If we can minimize interactions in that sort of environment where it’s difficult to track people, we think it is prudent to take those steps now,” Fulop said.

Fulop is also asking venues with a capacity of 25 or more to have people sign in so that they can be tracked later if necessary.

The city says that this will help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. But Jersey City business owners say that the curfew will pose an economic hardship. Michael Billy co-owns the restaurant Buddy’s and the piano bar Pianist Envy.

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“Locally owned businesses are facing a huge hardship, not to mention our staffs…who make their ends meet every weekend. Those are big risk factors,” Billy says.

But some residents say that they are encouraged by the proactive measures.

 

“I would say it is in-line with everything else we’re trying to do in terms of having people work at home, closing schools or whatever the next steps might be,” says Jersey City resident Mohammad Mallick.

The curfew and other measures are in place for the next week. Fulop says that they will be re-evaluated after that time. Jersey City has also canceled all city-sponsored or partnered events and visits to city hall for various services require an appointment.

Jersey City has established a coronavirus hotline. If you believe you are exhibiting symptoms, please call 201-547-5208.

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