March 10 was the one-year anniversary of New Jersey’s first COVID-19 confirmed death. Governor Phil Murphy noted that “the toll of this virus has been staggering. It exceeds the numbers of New Jerseyans lost in any war. In one year, we have lost an average of 65 residents per day.”
In addition, the Governor issued an Executive Order increasing indoor capacity limits to 50%. Vaccine eligibility will be expanding on March 15 to include transportation workers, public safety workers who are non-sworn law enforcement, such as fire safety inspectors and probation officers, migrant farmworkers, members of tribal communities, individuals experiencing homelessness and those living in shelters, including domestic violence shelters. The Governor also reiterated that compassionate care, essential caregiver, outdoor, and end-of-life visitation by appointment should be permitted at Long-Term Care Facilities, even when indoor visitation is otherwise restricted because of the status of the Long-Term Care facility.
Covid Data
For March 12, 2021:
- 3,544 new positive cases for a total of 736,065 confirmed cases
- 40 new confirmed deaths for a total of 21,380 confirmed deaths
- The rate of transmission is at 1.02
- 804 cases linked to 173 school outbreaks since August
- 2,823,731 vaccine doses have been administered, including 1,876,495 first doses and 947,094 second doses. 52% have been Moderna, 47% Pfizer, and 1% J&J.
Vaccine Information
The Governor has noted that New Jersey is averaging 67,000 administered doses per day.
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 230: Increases indoor capacity limits to 50% of capacity for restaurants; indoor recreation, amusement, and entertainment businesses; and personal care services. General indoor gatherings increase from 10 to 25 people and outdoor gatherings from 25 to 50 people. The limits on general gatherings do not apply to the religious services or ceremonies, political events, weddings, funerals, memorial services or performances remain unchanged by this order. Executive Order 230 takes effect on March 19.
Unemployment Information
The Department of Labor announced for the week ending March 6 the initial weekly unemployment claims total 9,840, a 5% decrease from last week. This is the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that new unemployment claims were below 10,000.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Assistant Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x112.