NJ COVID-19 Updates and More

50+ venues. 100+ events. It's North to Shore, New Jersey's newest, month-long arts and innovation festival, featuring all the talent, diversity and creativity our great State has to offer. N2S will feature concerts, comedy, films, art, food, dance, and more during the month of June:

• Atlantic City | June 4th-11th
• Asbury Park | June 14th-18th
• Newark | June 21st-25th

Use NJ TRANSIT promo codes to save 10% on tickets to N2S venues!

Working Papers applications are now online at MyWorkingPapers.NJ.gov. Employers hiring teenagers must register online to receive a unique 8-digit code and share that code with every minor they intend to hire. The teen may then visit the website to create an account and start their working papers application, entering the employer's unique code. Caregivers must review the details of the job and provide proof of the minor's age. The NJ Department of Labor will notify the teen and the business when the application is approved.

Between 2017 and 2021, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 11,421 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues every year. Make sure your home does not become one of these statistics by following the tips issued by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.

988 is now active across the United States. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 to be connected to trained crisis counselors who will listen to your concerns, provide support, and get you additional help if needed.

Fans attending the upcoming Ed Sheeran concerts at MetLife Stadium on June 10th and 11th are encouraged to purchase their round trip tickets in advance through NJ TRANSIT's mobile app. Customers can take any NJ TRANSIT train that stops at Secaucus, including from Penn Station New York, then transfer to the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line.

Customers traveling to MetLife Stadium should purchase their round trip tickets from their originating station to Meadowlands Station to avoid delays boarding trains. Tickets purchased on the train will include a $5 surcharge.

New Jerseyans are encouraged to continue taking necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy. Though the federal public health emergency for COVID-19 has ended, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are still among us.

Take common sense measures to protect yourself and the people around you. This includes coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, washing your hands, staying home when you're sick, and considering a mask if you or someone you're spending time with is at high risk of severe illness. Residents who are over 65 or immunocompromised are encouraged to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including receiving the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster when eligible.

COVID-19 vaccines remain free and available to everyone. Find locations offering COVID-19 vaccines and boosters on the COVID-19 Vaccine Finder and Community Calendar. If symptoms appear, get tested for COVID-19. Testing is offered for free at certain sites around New Jersey.

As always, keep children home from school and child care centers if they are feeling unwell.

First-time homebuyers can qualify for up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance when purchasing a home in New Jersey through the Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA). The DPA is an interest-free, five-year forgivable second loan with no monthly payment.

New Jersey's Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program provides financial assistance for eligible homeowners who have experienced a significant decrease of income or increase of expenses due to COVID-19 and have been unable to remain current with their mortgage payments.

Eligible homeowners can apply for up to $75,000 per household to cover mortgage reinstatement assistance and other eligible housing related costs, including delinquent property taxes and HOA dues.