Today, an additional 1,300 positive COVID-19 cases were announced, increasing the statewide total to 1,032,525. An additional 22 deaths were announced, increasing the statewide total to 25,018. The rate of transmission is 0.85. There have been 12,636,039 doses of vaccinations administered in NJ, with 6,003,488 individuals who live, work, or study in NJ fully vaccinated.
On Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released final recommendations on booster dosages for individuals who received Johnson & Johnson or Moderna vaccines. More information can be found here. NJ's Vaccine Scheduling System is also currently open for booster shot appointments.
The CDC released guidance for holiday gatherings and travel for the upcoming months on Friday, they can be found here.
This week marks Utility Assistance Week, assistance is available through the Department of Community Affairs and Board of Public Utilities for those who are behind on utility payments due to COVID hardships. The grace period for utility shut off ends on December 31st. Visit this page for more information.
The Department of Children and Families, the Department of Labor, the Motor Vehicle Commission, and the Governor's Office are back to in-person operations. Other departments and agencies are currently in the process of returning. Monday marked the deadline for testing and vaccination requirements among school personnel. Some districts are experiencing vendor-related delays, disrupting implementation of testing at this time.
Governor Murphy ordered that U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 to honor the passing of four-star general and New Jersey native General Raymond Thomas Odierno.
On Wednesday, the Governor reported an update on in-school transmission from October 2 - October 8, noting that there have been 30 outbreaks (126 cumulative), 120 student cases (564 cumulative), 17 staff cases (94 cumulative).
NJ Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli provided an update on in-school testing and reiterated that according to Governor Murphy's EO 253 all personnel are required to be vaccinated or tested 1-2 times each week. School districts had two options: use state-contracted vendor or receive funding from DOE to use already in place testing or a vendor of their choice.
NJEDA rolled out their small business lease grant program on Wednesday. This provides 2 grants totaling 20% of the total annual lease payment. 40% of funds will be set aside for businesses and non-profits opening or expanding in urban opportunity zones. Click here for more info.
Colonel Pat Callahan announced that we are just beyond 6 weeks since Hurricane Ida hit NJ. FEMA has received 71,137 total registrations and $145.2 million in household and program assistance has been awarded. 2,385 loans have approved totaling $114 million. 30 members from his homeland security branch are supporting 6 volunteer teams in north Jersey this week to help clean out homes damaged by Ida. disasterassisance.gov
There will be no press conference on Monday, November 1st, but they will resume at 1pm on Wednesday, November 3rd.
