This week Governor Phil Murphy issued an Executive Order expanding indoor dining and limiting the 10 p.m. curfew on closings of restaurants. The Governor announced that Johnson and Johnson has submitted an application for emergency use authorization from the federal government of the single dose vaccine.
COVID Data
For February 5, 2021:
- 3,723 new positive cases for a total of 637,357 confirmed cases
- 93 new confirmed deaths for a total of 19,699 confirmed deaths
- The rate of transmission is at 0.92
- 655 cases linked to 137 school outbreaks since August
- 925,579 vaccine doses have been administered, including 745,552 first doses and 179,956 second doses. 55% have been Moderna and 45% Pfizer.
Vaccine Information
Governor Murphy noted in one day the six mega sites were able to administer 10,000 vaccines. The number of initial doses administered over the past week has increased by 22% and the second dose increased by 63%.
The hotline 855-568-0545 to assist residents in getting information on the COVID-19 vaccine is live. The phone line is staffed with 250 live agents from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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 Order
Since our last update, Governor Murphy has issued the following COVID-19 related Executive Order:
Executive Order 219 increasing the indoor capacity limits from 25% to 35% for several businesses, including food and beverage establishments, entertainment and recreational businesses and personal care services. Please see item below for more information.
Unemployment Information
The Department of Labor announced for the week ending January 30 the initial weekly unemployment claims total 14,606, a 12% decrease from the prior week. This is the third straight week with fewer than 2,000 new claims. In addition, the Department noted that they have issued four weeks of $300 supplemental payments from the Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act to current claimants collecting unemployment benefits.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Assistant Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x112.