COVID-19 cases slowly rising in Jersey City
COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Jersey City. Health officials reported 90 new COVID-19 infections on December 2, which is the most infections the city has seen in a 24-hour period since April 29. The city’s 7-day average — which last month was in the 20s and 30s — currently stands at 69, according to the COVID-19 dashboard. Despite the uptick in infections, state and city officials haven’t enacted new measures to combat a winter wave of infections. Meanwhile, across the Hudson, New York City is preparing to battle the new omicron variant with a vaccine mandate that encompasses all private sector workers. Children ages 5 to 11 will also be required to show proof of vaccination before being allowed to indoor dining areas and fitness/entertainment venues. Likewise, adults will be required to show proof of two vaccinations for those same areas.
JC’s sewer system needs $1.5b in repairs, says MUA director
Jersey City’s sewer system is in need of infrastructure repairs, reports Hudson County View. During the last city council meeting, Ward E Councilman James Solomon pressed Suez Vice President James O’Brien and Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) Executive Director Jose Cunha on the state of the city’s sewer system. According to Cunha, the city’s sewer system needs $1.5 billion in repairs, while the water system needs $800 to $900 million in repairs. Cunha noted that the system is old and handles much more capacity than it was designed to do. Solomon hopes funds from the recently passed infrastructure bill can be used to make repairs.
New renderings released of COVID-19 memorial
City officials have released new renderings of the COVID-19 memorial that is planned for Jersey City. The memorial will be part of Skyway Park — which is located on the banks of the Hackensack River. The memorial portion of the park will include a grove of 503 trees planted in honor of Jersey City residents who died of the virus, but couldn’t have proper funerals because of health restrictions. The $10 million park will also include a field of wildflowers, a walkway, benches, and parking, reports NJ.com.
