NJ COVID-19 Updates and More

Vaccination against COVID-19 is now available for everyone 6 months and older. The FDA and CDC have authorized the use of smaller, pediatric doses of both Pfizer (under age 5) and Moderna (under age 6) in children at least 6 months of age.

Residents impacted by Hurricane Ida in September 2021 are invited to complete a survey about what they need to recover from Ida and better protect their homes and communities from future storms.

There is no deadline to complete the survey, but completing the survey is required for residents who want to apply for future Ida-related recovery and mitigation programs.

Many low-income residents can qualify for vouchers for safe and sanitary housing through the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP). The SRAP waiting list is now open for pre-applications, which will then enter a lottery for the statewide SRAP program in the Elderly, Family, Disabled, and Homeless categories.

Elderly applicants must serve as head of household and be 62 years of age or older. For the Family category, the head of household must be 18 years of age or an emancipated minor. To qualify in the Disabled category, the head of household or spouse must be permanently disabled. Applicants in the Homeless category must lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

All pre-applications submitted online during the open enrollment period from Monday, July 11th, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. until Friday, July 22nd, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. will be entered into the lottery. Those selected in the lottery will join the wait list and will be eligible to receive SRAP vouchers as they become available.

New Jersey has an annual source of money that's dedicated to addressing climate change. State agencies want to know how you think New Jersey should invest this public money in projects that reduce emissions, provide clean energy, and increase equity across the state.

A new poll invites you to cast your vote by choosing which of two climate change solutions is most important to you. Once you make a selection, a new pair of options will appear for you to choose from. Vote on as many (or as few) two-option questions as you like, or add your own.

Voting is open through July 11th, 2022.

Randomly selected New Jersey residents may receive a phone call from the New Jersey Department of Health asking them to participate in an anonymous health survey.

The New Jersey Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, conducted in cooperation with the CDC, seeks to understand the behavioral risk factors that affect residents' overall health, positively or negatively. Survey recipients will see "New Jersey Department of Health" on their caller ID.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the survey. No personally identifiable information will be collected.

Entry to all New Jersey state parks, forests, and recreation areas is free of charge this summer. Park entrance fees will be waived for all visitors, regardless of residency. Anyone who already purchased a 2022 annual State Park Pass will automatically receive a full refund.

Other individual park fees remain in place, such as camping, interpretive programs, and mobile sport fishing permits.

Health insurance, doula services, home visit assistance, early childhood education, and many other services for families with young children are now available through Connecting NJ. This new website simplifies the process of accessing services and provides a single point of entry for community members in need.

Have you recently lost your job and are struggling to pay your bills while searching for a new position? Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial support to people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. If you find yourself in this situation, you will want to visit the new, simplified unemployment application, available online from the Department of Labor.

It's especially important to get tested if you are feeling sick or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

To get tested:

• Find testing sites near you, including their hours and testing requirements.
• Order a free at-home saliva test, shipped to your home at no cost.
• Order free rapid antigen tests, shipped to your home at no cost.

The Business.NJ.gov Update shares timely information on regulations, financing, and services likely to affect your business. Whether you own a small business, work at one, or like to stay in-the-know, you won't want to miss this weekly email.