Today, an additional 1,641 positive COVID-19 cases were announced, bringing the statewide total to 931,686. The rate of transmission is 1.27. 10 additional deaths were announced, increasing the statewide total to 24,010. According to the Department of Health, 5,441,738 residents are now fully vaccinated.
On Monday, Acting Governor Sheila Oliver held a roundtable discussion at the Eric B. Chandler Health Center. In the discussion, representatives of different health centers around the state mentioned the lack of funds for infrastructure, and also the need for more healthcare workers in community health centers. Many health centers are looking to renovate or expand their buildings and locations to make centers more accessible for underserved NJ communities.
During the discussion, many of the leaders of the health care centers mentioned they are looking to expand Medicare to include dental, vision, and hearing coverage. They are also hoping to make the Affordable Cares Act permanent or at least long term, and to provide additional support to home-based community services, childcare, and more.
Acting Governor Oliver also mentioned that all Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), have received over $8 billion in emergency funding based on pandemic needs. She advised that the state wants to make certain these FQHCs are prepared to continue to be positioned to serve and address COVID-19 issues for underserved communities in NJ. Congressman Frank Pallone also added that two-thirds of the 14 million vaccine shots that community health centers have administered have been to people of color.
Once again, residents are reminded to receive their COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. Over 99% of the people dying from the virus today are unvaccinated so everyone is encouraged to receive the vaccine at one of the countless vaccination sites around the state. You can visit covid19.nj.gov/finder to find a COVID-19 vaccination site.
The Governor will hold his next press briefing next week, on Monday, August 23rd at 1 PM.
