Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla issued a “self-isolation” policy for all city residents Tuesday, asking people to stay home even if they are not sick, as well as not allowing a number of businesses to open up shop.

 

Mayor Bhalla decided to implement the major restrictions beginning today when there are a few confirmed cases of coronavirus in the city.

The mayor is shutting down what he describes as non-essential businesses, and telling all of his residents to stay home, before the city's few cases go up drastically and contribute to the pandemic. ?

 

 “There is a public safety risk that’s not just in Hoboken, but statewide and national and we need to do everything we can as public officials to mitigate the effects of this pandemic,” says Mayor Bhalla. “It was a very difficult decision and the fact that it’s going to have a very adverse impact on small businesses and employees that rely on a living wage is not lost upon me.”

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TRAVEL TIPS: Should you cancel your plans?

As of 9 a.m., the following businesses are closed:

Clothing Stores

Retail

Nail and hair salons

Smoke Shops

The following businesses will remain open daily until 8 p.m.:

Emergency Medical Care

Restaurants (takeout and delivery only)

Bodegas

Liquor stores

Pet stores

There are exceptions, such as going to work or getting groceries. People can also still go out for a walk or run, but they must practice social distancing -- six feet apart.