Even if many heeded those warnings, there were still other ways to get together.
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In Hoboken on Saturday night, bars were open, football was on TV, and there were people there to watch and celebrate. There was social distancing, and masks were everywhere.
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However, some bars were looking pre-COVID. Many patrons were seated at tables too close for comfort, and many doors were closed to keep the chill out.
Hoboken is a trouble-spot in the Garden State because authorities say too many young people have been violating the rules by holding large house parties.
"There is no way to sugar coat it - numbers are continuing to rise in Hoboken, New Jersey in the midst of our second wave," said Mayor Ravi Bhalla.
Meanwhile, in Newark, parts of the city are seeing jaw-dropping numbers - a 41 percent COVID-19 positivity rate in the East Ward and a 21 percent rate citywide - twice the rate statewide.
Eight businesses have been cited for COVID violations within the first two days of Newark's 10-day lockdown.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka says the good news is his restrictions are working, with numbers moving in the right direction.
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