NJ COVID-19 Updates and More

New Jerseyans having trouble paying their water or sewer bills are encouraged to apply for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Households must have total gross monthly incomes at or below 60% of the State median monthly income of $6,662 (based on a family of four) to qualify for assistance. Applicants' names must match the names on their water or sewer bills.

A new, one-stop hub can help members of New Jersey's transgender and non-binary community find information about essential programs and services.  

The Transgender Information Hub at Transgender.NJ.gov contains information such as how to change a name, acquire legal assistance, obtain mental health and medical support, learn about rights and legal protections, and more. As New Jerseyans and community stakeholders provide feedback, the site will be updated and further enhanced.

Most commuters impacted by the discontinuation of daily DeCamp Bus routes into Manhattan can begin taking NJ TRANSIT buses from their former DeCamp stops beginning Monday, April 10th. Four existing NJ TRANSIT bus routes will be modified to accommodate approximately 85% of current weekday DeCamp customers.

Anglers of all ages can head to their favorite fishing spots as of Saturday, April 8th. The Pequest Trout Hatchery has stocked New Jersey waterways with more than 180,000 rainbow trout. Anyone aged 16 or older must obtain a New Jersey fishing license and trout stamp to fish for trout.

New Jerseyans are encouraged to continue taking necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy. Respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 are still among us.

Residents are particularly encouraged to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, including receiving the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster when eligible.

Everyone six months of age and older is now eligible for the bivalent COVID-19 vaccinations that target recently circulating Omicron subvariants. COVID-19 vaccines are free to everyone. Find locations offering COVID-19 vaccines and boosters on the COVID-19 Vaccine Finder and Community Calendar.

Flu vaccines, which are often covered by insurers at little to no cost to individuals, can be found at pharmacies, health care provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and local health departments. FQHCs and health departments may also offer the flu vaccine at little to no cost for eligible uninsured or underinsured individuals.

Everyone is encouraged to take common sense measures to protect themselves and the people around them. This includes coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, washing your hands, staying home when you're sick, and wearing a mask if you or someone you're spending time with is at high risk of severe illness.

If symptoms appear, get tested for COVID-19. Free at-home test kits are available from the federal government and testing is offered for free at certain sites around New Jersey.

Keep children home from school and child care centers if they are feeling unwell.