As the Delta variant continues to sweep across the Garden State, more fully vaccinated New Jersey residents are testing positive for the virus than with previous forms of COVID.

During the coronavirus update on Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy said roughly 20% of all recent positive cases (between July 12 and July 19) were among fully vaccinated residents, but he stressed that a small number of them are becoming so seriously ill that they require hospitalization.

He said updated figures from the state Health Department show through July 19 there were 4.9 million fully vaccinated state residents and of these individuals, 6,381 have tested positive.

He said in only about half of these cases were any COVID symptoms were reported.

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The governor also said of the almost 5 million fully vaccinated Jersey residents, 0.004% have needed to be hospitalized for COVID.

He noted a total of 50 fully vaccinated individuals have passed away, a total of 0.001%.

He said the vaccines can’t make COVID go away “but the vaccines are proving convincingly that they the likelihood of a minor COVID illness that much greater, and the chance of hospitalization or death that much less.”

In other words, the vaccines can turn COVID into "an illness on par with the flu.”

The governor noted a statistical breakdown of the fully vaccinated individuals hospitalized with COVID symptoms has not been completed yet but previous data suggests the majority of them had “an advanced vulnerability to the virus, due likely to age, or some other underlying health condition.”

Beautiful sunflower fields to visit in NJ 2021

Among reasons why the “Garden State” remains a fitting nickname for New Jersey — late summer means the arrival of sunflower season.

There are at least six fields, spanning the state. Some are in bloom as of early August, while others are planned to peak from late August to late September.

Calling or emailing before heading out is always advisable if weather appears to be an issue. 

Point Pleasant Beach NJ: 11 most popular spots

The oceanside location of Point Pleasant Beach has been a source of enjoyment for centuries.

The first permanent boardwalk was built in 1915 and in the late 1920’s, Orlo Jenkinson built Jenkinson’s Pavilion and Swimming Pool. 

Over the past 100 years or so, the community has grown into a vibrant resort destination for state residents and tourists, alike.

LOOK: 20 Fascinating Photos From the First Modern Olympic Games in 1896

To celebrate the history of international sports cooperation, Stacker took a look back at that groundbreaking event in Athens, when the modern Olympics were born in 1896. Keep reading to learn more about the athletes, spectators, and sports at that iconic event.

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