State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said her department recently updated guidance on quarantine lengths for both schools and the general public, though not for healthcare settings.
So far 1.7 million people in New Jersey have received a third or booster dose, about 37% of those who are eligible, either due to higher COVID risk or because it has been six months or more since they gained "fully vaccinated" status.
State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said hospitalizations have increased more than 37% over the past week alone, and if the trend continues we could easily have 3,500 New Jerseyans hospitalized with COVID by mid-January.
During a Monday morning press conference, the city's Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole announced that the city will be requiring all patrons at bars and restaurants to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
As the state confirmed the variant of concern has arrived, here's the latest questions and answers — does it appear easier to spread, and do vaccines seem to work against it?
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky says families planning large gatherings should add an "extra layer of protection" and have everyone take a rapid test before they are allowed into your home.