New Jersey Department of Health Releases Data on COVID-19 Breakthrough Cases Among Fully-Vaccinated Residents

The Department of Health has identified 1,319 COVID-19 breakthrough cases which represents fewer than 1/10 of 1% of the 2.2 million people fully vaccinated in the first four months (December 2020 through April 2021) of New Jersey’s COVID-19 vaccination program. The fact that 99.94% of individuals vaccinated did not test positive for COVID-19 after vaccination demonstrates that breakthrough infections are extremely rare.

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New Jersey EMS Task Force Begins Transfer and Tracking of Vaccines Through Partnership With the NJ Department of Health

The New Jersey EMS Task Force, which has been part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020, has begun the transfer and tracking of vaccine doses between vaccination sites to assure that all vaccines are used prior to their expiration dates. Teams of trained NJ EMS Task Force members began the transfer process June 1 and will continue this critical task throughout the summer. The teams have been trained in CDC guidelines and are tasked with moving vaccine supplies to areas where shots are most needed.

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Governor Murphy Releases Report on New Jersey’s Response to the Opioid Overdose Epidemic During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in 2020

The report details the overdose mitigation strategies implemented over the course of Governor Murphy’s administration that contributed to the resiliency demonstrated during the convergence the opioid crisis and the pandemic. A new public data dashboard will provide public health partners and law enforcement agencies with near real-time data regarding suspected drug-related deaths, enhancing their ability to rapidly address potential threats to the community.

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Governor Murphy Lifts Major COVID-19 Restrictions, Moves Forward with Most Significant Reopening Steps to Date

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 242, lifting major COVID-19 restrictions and moving forward with the state’s most significant reopening steps to date. Effective Friday, May 28, the indoor mask mandate in public spaces will be lifted, as well as the six-foot social distancing requirement in both indoor and outdoor spaces, the prohibition on dance floors at bars and restaurants, and the prohibition on ordering and eating/drinking while standing at bars and restaurants. Additionally, effective Friday, June 4, indoor gathering and capacity limits will be lifted.

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Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy Announce “Grateful for the Shot” Vaccination Events to Reduce Vaccine Hesitancy in a Trusted, Fun, and Community Atmosphere

Fourteen houses of worship will be hosting “Grateful for the Shot” COVID-19 vaccination sites on May 21, 22, and 23, to reduce vaccine hesitancy and ramp up vaccination efforts across New Jersey. The initiative will bring vaccinations to congregations in targeted communities and municipalities over the next several weekends.

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Statement by New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli on Approval of Pfizer Vaccine for 12-15 Year-Olds

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and acceptance by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expands the use of the Pfizer vaccine for 12-15-year-olds in New Jersey.

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New Jersey Department of Health Issues Updated Long-term Care Directive Allowing for Expanded Activities and Services

The New Jersey Department of Health released a new directive to long-term care facilities to accommodate more visitation, group activities and the provision of services for residents after vaccination that align with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.

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New Jersey Department of Health Launches COVID-19 Website for Long-Term Care Transparency

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) announced the launch of a new long-term care webpage, providing a user-friendly portal to identify the reopening status of facilities in the state, information on current outbreaks, frequently asked questions, and resources for residents, families, and staff.

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