This week the Governor noted that Thursday marked one year since the closure of schools and the transition to all-remote learning. During his remarks the Governor stated that, “Come September, it is our complete expectation that every school will be open, and every student and educator will be safely in their classrooms for full time, in-person instruction for the 2021-2022 academic year.”
As a reminder, today the limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings as well as indoor capacity limits for restaurants, gyms, health clubs, recreation facilities, and personal care businesses have increased.
COVID Data
For March 19, 2021:
- 3,738 new positive cases for a total of 758,470 confirmed cases
- 27 new confirmed deaths for a total of 21,588 confirmed deaths
- The rate of transmission is at 1.06
- 890 cases linked to 188 school outbreaks since August
- 3,303,734 vaccine doses have been administered, including 2,201,788 first doses and 1,100,974 second doses. 50% have been Moderna, 48% Pfizer, and 2% J&J.
Vaccine Information
The Governor noted that on Monday the state has crossed the threshold of 3 million vaccinations with 1.1 million people who are now fully vaccinated, either because they receive their second dose of these vaccines, or because they have received their single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The state is roughly at 45% of the initial goal to have 70% of New Jersey adult population vaccinated.
It was also announced that CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid are each reserving appointments for and prioritizing educators and childcare workers. The State has also set aside a minimum of 10,000 doses each week for seniors aged 65 and older with Walmart. The State’s call center has been reaching out to seniors on the waiting list to help them make an appointment.
The State hotline 855-568-0545 continues to assist residents, with live agents from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., in getting information on how to register, as well as how to schedule vaccine appointments as people become eligible. The agents remind residents that there is no out-of-pocket expense to get vaccinated and that the two vaccines are not interchangeable.
The State continues to encourage the general public to pre-register for eligibility for the vaccine online. Individuals will be permitted to input their personal, contact, health insurance, and demographic information. Those who are immediately eligible based on screening questions will be able to schedule an appointment.
Executive Orders
Executive Order 231: Extending the public health emergency by an additional 30 days.
Executive Order 232: Permitting outdoor interstate youth sports competitions as well as allowing school-based club and recreational programs to host outdoor interstate youth sports competitions outside of New Jersey. Attendees at outdoor sports competitions will be limited to players, coaches, and officials and up to two parents or guardians per participating athlete. No additional spectators or attendees will be allowed.
Unemployment Information
The Department of Labor announced for the week ending March 13 the initial weekly unemployment claims increased by 402 to 10,242 for the week. As part of the American Rescue Plan unemployment federal benefits have been extended through September 4 and the $300 weekly supplemental unemployment benefit will continue.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Assistant Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x112.