This afternoon, New Jersey reported an additional 5,791 new positive COVID-19 cases, increasing the statewide total to 516,608. An additional 112 deaths were announced, increasing the statewide total to 17,697.
Today, Governor Phil Murphy toured the vaccine mega site at a former Sears store in Morris County where officials hope to vaccinate over 2,000 people a day in coming weeks. New Jersey plans on opening 6 mega sites and 200 smaller sites throughout the State. More than 650,000 NJ residents have already registered for a vaccination since the State website launched on Monday. To register for the COVID-19 vaccination, click here.
Vaccinations for Phase 1B population began yesterday with sworn law enforcement and firefighters now eligible to receive the vaccine. The remainder of the essential workers and high-risk individuals in Phase 1B will be announced shortly. For more information on the phased approach and priority groups, click here.
The 6 vaccination mega sites will be located in:
- Atlantic County: Atlantic City Convention Center
- Bergen County: Racetrack at Meadowlands, East Rutherford
- Burlington County: Moorestown Mall
-
Gloucester County: Rowan College of South Jersey, Sewell (opens 1/8/21)
- Middlesex County: New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison
-
Morris County: Rockaway Townsquare (opens 1/8/21)
During Wednesday's press briefing, Governor Murphy called for any retired health care professionals with skills to deliver vaccinations to register as a volunteer with the New Jersey Medical Reserves Corps. If you or someone you know is interested in registering, click here.
On Monday, Governor Murphy and Department of Health Commissioner, Judy Persichilli attended University Hospital in Newark to witness healthcare workers receiving their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. These workers are now fully vaccinated.
As of Monday, there are 77 schools in NJ offering full in-person instruction, 348 schools using a hybrid model, 339 districts using an all remote model and 47 districts using a combination of in-person, hybrid and remote instruction. The Governor announced there is still progress to be made on the digital divide in the state and he expects to close the gap further now that the holidays are over and he does not expect any additional shipping delays.
