NJ COVID-19 Updates and More

Individuals ages 12 and older are encouraged to get a COVID-19 bivalent booster dose, which should be received two months after their most recent booster or primary vaccination series.

These updated COVID-19 boosters offer stronger protections against severe illness and death from Omicron sub-variants. The new Pfizer bivalent booster is recommended for all individuals ages 12 and older, while the Moderna bivalent booster is recommended for those ages 18 and older.

More than 800 sites are expected to stock bivalent booster doses in the coming days. Locations offering the boosters will be updated on the COVID-19 Vaccine Finder and Community Calendar at?covid19.nj.gov.?The CDC expects to recommend updated COVID-19 boosters for other pediatric groups in the coming weeks.

Earlier this year, the State asked residents to take a survey about the ways they were impacted by Hurricane Ida. Nearly 5,000 people have responded to the survey. Your responses have informed the proposed Hurricane Ida Recovery Action Plan, and the State now asks for your comments on the plan. The plan document is available for download in both English and Spanish.

Residents can attend public hearings in two of the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Ida, Manville and Newark:

• Manville High School Auditorium | September 8th, 2022
• New Jersey Institute of Technology, Campus Center Ballroom, Second Floor | September 12th, 2022

Both hearings will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Comments may also be submitted online through this website, via email to [email protected], or by mail to the attention of Constituent Services, Division of Disaster Recovery and Mitigation, NJ Department of Community Affairs, 101 South Broad Street, P.O. Box 823, Trenton, NJ 08625-0823. All comments must be received on or before 5:00 p.m. on September 16th, 2022.

New Jersey homeowners can now submit buyout applications online?in English or Spanish, through the Blue Acres program from the Department of Environmental Protection. A new portal allows homeowners to express interest in a flood buyout. Blue Acres will approve buyout requests based on need and funding eligibility requirements.

The State of New Jersey will receive $300 million in opioid settlement funds over the next two decades and wants your input on how it should be used.

Any member of the public ? including treatment providers, residents with substance use disorders and their loved ones, advocates, and social service organizations ? can submit ideas to help those most impacted by the opioid crisis.?

Relevant state agencies will consider each proposal as part of the process to develop spending plans, programs, and evaluations for the funds.?

Initial submissions for the first comment period will be accepted until October 31st, 2022 and will reopen annually.

Monkeypox (hMPXV) is a disease that can affect anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The virus can cause flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. Monkeypox (hMPXV) can spread to any individual from anyone who has the virus through direct contact with rashes or scabs, respiratory droplets from face-to-face interactions, or close, intimate contact.

There is a limited supply of the JYNNEOS monkeypox (hMPXV) vaccine in New Jersey. Vaccination is available at no charge for eligible residents at selected locations by appointment only. Contact your local health department for information on testing and eligibility.

Want to learn the facts about how monkeypox (hMPXV), its symptoms, how it spreads, testing, and vaccinations from experts? Watch this webinar from the Department of Health.

New Jersey continues to experience a persistent period of hot and dry weather, which could impact the state's water supply. The State is asking residents and businesses to moderate their use of water to help protect our water supplies throughout the summer.

988 is now active across the United States. This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services. 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.

COVID-19 cases are on the rise and it is important that you continue to take actions to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19:

• Get vaccinated and boosted
• Get tested
• Be vigilant around the elderly and immunocompromised
• Wash hands frequently
• Stay home when sick
• Learn your treatment options
• Use common sense

The Public Comment Period regarding?Proposed Readoption of Personal-Use Cannabis Rules?ends September 30th, 2022. Written public comments can be submitted here.