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Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “New Jersey is fundamentally a blue state. The fact that Biden is doing so poorly here suggests he has lost enthusiasm among core constituencies in his own base.” – Monmouth Polling Director Patrick Murray

TOP STORY: Primary Elections 2022: Where Things Stand Right NOW (an InsiderNJ Primer)

AROUND THE WEB:

Murphy vs. Christie: Presidential ambitions of NJ governors 

David Matthau, NJ1015

• What is New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy more focused on: running the Garden State or planning for his own political future? A just-released survey finds a significant difference of opinion on the issue.

For GOP candidates, fringe fearmongering now mainstream 

Jeff Pillets, NJ Spotlight

• John Barker, a U.S. Army veteran running for the Republican nomination in New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District, wants you to believe what would be shocking news: Vladimir Putin’s bombing targets in Ukraine are really money-laundering sites used by Hillary Clinton and President Joe Biden. Barker also endorses the idea that global warming is a fraud and that the Super Bowl’s rap-heavy half-time show is proof of America’s decline.

Why Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court confirmation needs to be more than affirmation of excellence 

Anjalee Khemlani, roi-nj.com

• Paulette Brown, who recently retired as the chief diversity officer at Locke Lord LLP and is the past president of several organizations, including the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey, took in all of the confirmation hearings of Ketanji Brown Jackson for a spot on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Gilmore wants NJ Treasury to find out revenue generated for Jersey City BOE with up to 1% income tax 

John Heinis, Hudson County View

• Jersey City Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore plans on introducing a resolution next week asking the New Jersey Department of the Treasury to find out how much revenue a one percent local income tax would generate for the board of education.

Atlantic City hosts summit on human trafficking 

Bill Barlow, Press of Atlantic City

• “I frankly do not say that lightly,” the Moorestown Democrat and Senate majority whip said at the event, where he was the keynote speaker. “Although it’s been 400 years since the first slaves were forcibly brought to America and nearly 160 years since President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, slavery in the form of human trafficking is still alive.”

Nonprofit news media? Concept is now reality in N.J. 

ROI NJ Staff

• Liz Parker and Steve Parker, co-owners of the New Jersey Hills Media Group, always have been concerned about the long-term viability of their company, which produces 14 weekly newspapers in Morris, Somerset, Essex and Hunterdon counties. Better said, the pair knew what they did not want to have happen to the 65-year-old family business: a dismantling that has occurred whenever a large corporation takes over a local news operation.

Friends say Eric Boehlert had a ‘beautiful life’ in Montclair, and his death is a shock 

Julia Martin, NorthJersey.com

• Eric Boehlert’s adopted hometown of Montclair is mourning the media critic, who was struck and killed by an NJ Transit train while biking Monday. Boehlert and his wife, Tracy Breslin, moved to town in 1998 and raised two children, Jane and Ben, in their Montclair Avenue home. Along the way Boehlert touched many lives, coaching Bulldogs baseball; playing on town basketball and softball leagues; bowling at the Commonwealth Club and hanging out at Tierney’s Tavern.

NJSIAA needs to explore how later school start times would affect HS sports 

Darren Cooper, NorthJersey.com

• High school sporting events in New Jersey all have one thing in common. They don’t start on time.

Workers should be trained on how to treat those with disabilities and their service animals | Opinion 

David Crenshaw and Rory Diamond

• New Jersey Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker (D-Essex County) has introduced legislation that would require employees of any public place in the state to undergo specific training on how to treat people with disabilities and their service animals.

NJ needs to stop spending our money on people’s personal problems (Opinion) 

Dennis Malloy, NJ1015

• A group of Democratic legislators is proposing to spend $350 million on improving childcare. It’s not their job to improve childcare. It’s the personal responsibility of the people who had the child. If someone dies or runs off, then community groups or charities can help. We have to ween people off of depending on government for life choices they made. But this is what many New Jersey politicians, especially Democrats do. They get people hooked on government goodies and they become addicted to them like drug addicts.

Will new FTA funds renew fight over splitting the money among NY, NJ, CT? 

Colleen Wilson, NorthJersey.com

• New Jersey is eligible to receive about $834.5 million that could give a needed boost to its public transportation network of bus, light rail and train systems, according to an announcement Wednesday by the Federal Transit Administration.

Remembering Michael P. Esposito, a well-known member of the old Hudson County Democratic machine | Albright 

Joseph Albright, For The Jersey Journal

• There was nothing pretentious about Michael P. Esposito, a Jersey City Democrat who served in the state Assembly from 1968 to 1978. He was backboned by the Great Depression in the 1930s, having been born in Jersey City in 1913.

A N.J. bill is proposing later start times for high schools. Will it make a difference? 

Melanie Burney, Philadelphia Inquirer

• New Jersey lawmakers have reignited the debate over whether high schools should begin later to allow students more sleep before starting their day. If approved, a bill recently introduced in the state Legislature would push back the start time for most high schoolers to no earlier than 8:30 a.m. beginning with the 2023-24 school year.

Shore businesses optimistic for return of ‘small-but-mighty’ foreign student workforce 

Aedy Miller, Cherry Hill Courier-Post

• Heading into the summer, tourist destinations along the southern Jersey Shore are cautiously optimistic they will meet their hiring needs this year — thanks in large part to the appreciable return of international student workers.

NJ congressional candidate can’t use ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ on ballot 

Patrick Lavery, NJ1015

• In what appears to be a swift resolution of a pending primary ballot concern, a Republican challenger to longtime New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith cannot use a catchphrase derogatory to President Joe Biden as his campaign slogan at the polls in June.

NJ jobs: In-person job fairs make a comeback. Can they fix the labor shortage? 

Michael L. Diamond, Asbury Park Press

• Recruiters for Merri-Makers Caterers set out pamphlets and a basket filled with Reese’s candy at Ocean County College one day this week, hoping to convince students to come and work for them.

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We had a couple of hours of downtime and a friend recommended a movie. So my wife Jodi and I settled in to watch a movie and take a few hours of necessary quiet time away from the seemingly endless writing, budgeting, organizing, speaking and other assorted activities related to our daily lives.

In addition to the radio show, I launched and currently run a film production company, Exit 19 Productions and a nonprofit issues advocacy group Common Sense Club. My wife has a home organizing business “UnclutteredNow,” which she manages with her business partner and friend Amy.

With the spring and summer ahead and my road schedule with several town halls each week promoting our “Parental Bill of Rights,” we’re busy — even as new empty nesters. So downtime is hard to come by. I’m sure you’re in the same boat with jobs, kids and family obligations!

The problem with picking a movie or series to watch is well … trying to narrow down the choices and actually picking the movie. Takes as much time to choose as it does to watch. So we love recommendations from trusted friends.

This week a friend recommended “Dune,” the remake of the awful movie from the ’80s. She warned us that it started slow … if by “slow” she meant the first hour and a half, then she was spot on! It was terrible. Two and a half hours long, confusing with low whispers and then loud explosions. Trying to keep you with the soundboard was an exhausting task. We didn’t even finish it. So I don’t know how it ends.

Spoiler alert, you can tell me because I don’t plan on watching the rest.

Worst part? This movie was labeled “Part One.”

What’s your best/worst movie or series that you’ve seen recently? Hit me up on our free New Jersey 101.5 App and let me know!

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadea. Any opinions expressed are Bill’s own. Bill Spadea is on the air weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m., talkin’ Jersey, taking your calls at 1-800-283-1015.

Cape May, NJ: 15 wonderful places to visit

JACKSON — The vice president of the Board of Education was indicted on charges of cyber harassment and accused of sending images of “intimate parts” of an individual without their permission.

The indictment from a Monmouth County grand jury charges Tara Rivera with fourth-degree cyber harassment claims she sent the pictures of an individual identified only by the initials J.D. to another person identified only as N.K. on March 27, 2020, via a social media or electronic device.

The pictures were sent “with the intent to emotionally harm or place N.K. in fear of physical or emotional harm,” according to the indictment.

The genders of J.D. and N.K. were not disclosed.

An additional charge

Rivera also faces a third-degree charge of invasion of privacy for sending the pictures of J.D. “in an act of sexual penetration or sexual contact” without their consent.

“The district has been informed by law enforcement that Board Vice President Tara Rivera has been indicted on charges of cyber harassment via a social network. Because this is an ongoing legal matter we are not going to comment any further,” district spokeswoman Allison Erwin told New Jersey 101.5.

Rivera began her fifth year on the board in January.  She has two children and has lived in Jackson for 25 years.

The Lakewood Scoop was first to report about the indictment.

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.

NJ Diners that are open 24/7

Hey Mayor Sal Bonaccorso, if I buy the apology you’re trying to sell would you throw in the Driscoll Bridge, too? Sorry pal, I’m putting my wallet away.

In a story where absolutely nobody looks good, the mayor of Clark finally acknowledged what the rest of the world knew, that it was indeed him in the recordings using disgusting racist slurs like N-words, spooks and shines.

It was from what’s been called a whistleblower case and some Clark residents were outraged when it came to light that the city settled with the guy who made the recordings for $400,000 to keep him quiet about it — $400,000, of course, that came from taxpayers of the town just to protect the mayor’s political skin.

As things like this often do it all eventually came out. If you haven’t yet heard the many instances of when Bonaccorso used his charming slurs, here it is.

The Clark police chief and an internal affairs supervisor were also caught on the recording and are now on paid leave. The mayor is under increasing pressure to resign.

Instead of doing that, Bonaccorso decided to fix all this by publicly apologizing for the racist language. Which is hysterical considering part of the secretly recorded incidents has him talking to the other men about a time when he had to appear in front of black people to apologize for what appeared to be nooses hanging at the high school in Clark and you can tell his entire attitude was that it was just an insincere apology he was obligated to give.

Now he’s given another.

Look, if you want to decide the apology is real that’s your call. But how gullible does he think we are? Bonaccorso is not apologizing because he has seen the error of his racism. He’s apologizing hoping to save his political hide. And he’s pathetic.

His line about the true measure of a man being whether he can admit an error and learn from it is him just playing his own jury and exonerating himself. Sorry Sal, as my broadcast partner Bill Doyle said on our show, the true measure of a man is in not saying these ugly things in the first place.

Should he resign? Of course. Will he? We’ll see. But ultimately it is his decision. Should he want to remain in office he will eventually face an election and the residents whose tax money he used to keep his racism quiet can decide for themselves.

If they vote him back in office, then those votes will be the true measure of racists.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Jeff Deminski only.

You can now listen to Deminski & Doyle — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite afternoon radio show any day of the week. Download the Deminski & Doyle show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now:

One good thing about growing up in an Italian neighborhood in Union City that turned Hispanic was the food. Especially the empanadas. If you’re looking for the best empanadas look no further than Latin Bites in Manalapan.

Latin Bites has been in business since 2018 and serves Puerto Rican and Cuban fusion cuisine and they do it with not only a great restaurant but food trucks as well.

I spoke with the owner Rodolfo Villanueva aka “Roy”:

What’s your background?

“When I was a kid in Puerto Rico and my mother would make some of the appetizers that we now sell I would take him to town and sell them and when I turned 50 years old I sold my business and decided to get back into the food business and it has been working out great.”

What can you tell us about your menu?

“Our menu is a fusion of Cuban and Puerto Rican food.”

What makes your empanadas so good?

“All of our empanada stuffing’s are homemade with freshly made Sofrito and 100% meat with no fillers or preservatives whatsoever! But empanadas are not only what we are known for, our bites are a hit! We have the biggest Alcapurrias ( A plantain patty stuffed with meat very popular on the island of Puerto Rico). But our biggest pride is ‘The BIG PAPI.’ It’s our Cuban sandwich, the biggest Cuban sandwich you’ll find in Jersey: 1 1/2-pound sandwich layered with a 12-hour roasted pork smothered in garlic mojo, Swiss cheese, ham pickles and of course mustard all on 14 inches of Cuban bread! It’s to die for.”

“You’re always writing messages on your website communicating with your fellow foodies. This season we are adding new options, come visit our Manalapan Restaurant location or visit our own trucks. We are participating in many NJ festivals and events but we also have our home bases we park at throughout the week. Visit our website to find a truck near you today.”

What would you like to say to those reading this?

“Come visit us and try our food you will fall in love… Promise.”

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Steve Trevelise only. Follow him on Twitter @realstevetrev.

You can now listen to Steve Trevelise — On Demand! Discover more about New Jersey’s personalities and what makes the Garden State interesting . Download the Steve Trevelise show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now:

A group of Democratic legislators is proposing to spend $350 million on improving childcare. It’s not their job to improve childcare. It’s the personal responsibility of the people who had the child.

If someone dies or runs off, then community groups or charities can help. We have to ween people off of depending on government for life choices they made. But this is what many New Jersey politicians, especially Democrats do. They get people hooked on government goodies and they become addicted to them like drug addicts.

We have an entire generation of entitled morons who thinks it’s Government’s job to take care of their personal issues. IT’S NOT!

Where is anyone’s sense of personal responsibility and dignity? It’s almost gone, stolen by politicians who want to increase their power and the dependency of their electorate. What about us folks who sacrificed and had one parent who stayed home with the children? Don’t tell me it’s not possible today.

Where there’s a will there’s a way. I did it and my son and his wife are doing it.

Maybe you can’t have two cars or take expensive vacations or eat out every night. Making those sacrifices is what having a family is all about and it teaches the kids that you can’t always have everything you want or need.

We’ve talked to people who’ve come here in recent years from Eastern Europe, or Cuba, or Venezuela and they can’t believe how we’re throwing away our freedoms and responsibilities for a bigger government that promises everything and then collapses.

If you have kids, it’s your responsibility to feed, clothe and supervise them and if you need help, you pay for it, not everyone else.

It all starts with paying people to have babies out of wedlock. In the last 50 years of doing this, it’s wreaked havoc on society and the nuclear family. This state is collapsing under the weight of all on the programs and handouts given by out insane, civically illiterate politicians.

These legislators, all of them female and all of them Democrats, think they’re doing a noble thing by providing $350 million dollars for childcare.

They are instead robbing people of their dignity, pride, and self-worth by making them dependent on the state. The taxes it takes to fund all of their “good works” are driving more and more responsible people out of the state for good. If they wanted to minister to the poor, they should have become nuns or missionaries. At least they’d have our support and respect.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Dennis Malloy only.

You can now listen to Dennis & Judi — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite best friends anytime, anywhere and any day of the week. Download the Dennis & Judi show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now:

WASHINGTON TWP. (Gloucester) — The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office is asking potential victims to come forward after a township man was accused of taking video of juvenile females using a bathroom at his residence.

Robert McKinley, 52, was arrested at that Washington Township home on Tuesday, according to a release from the prosecutor’s office, following the execution of a search warrant by the GCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit, township police, and the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

McKinley is charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child by manufacturing child pornography and third-degree possession of child sexual abuse material.

An investigation revealed that McKinley retained the images he recorded via a Dropbox account linked to his email address, as alleged by the prosecutor’s office.

McKinley was remanded to the Salem County Correctional Facility following his arrest, pending court proceedings.

The prosecutor’s office urged anyone who believes they may have been a victim of McKinley, had questionable contact with him, or have information relevant to their investigation to contact their Special Victims Unit at cacgc@co.gloucester.nj.us.

Furthermore, individuals wishing to report instances of child sexual exploitation were instructed to notify the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or cybertipline.org.

Patrick Lavery is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.

NEW JERSEY — The most up-to-date information on coronavirus news impacting New Jersey. You can find additional resources and coverage on our coronavirus page.

Murphy tests positive for COVID

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy tested positive for COVID-19, officials announced on Thursday, March 31. He’s asymptomatic and feeling well, but was set to cancel all events and isolate for five days.

Moderna’s low-dose COVID vaccine works for kids under 6, company says

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine works in babies, toddlers and preschoolers, the company announced on March 23 — and if regulators agree it could mean a chance to finally start vaccinating the littlest kids by summer.

Moderna asks FDA to authorize 4th dose of COVID shot

Drugmaker Moderna asked the Food and Drug Administration on March 17 to authorize a fourth shot of its COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose for all adults.

WHO now tracking hybrid COVID-19 variant: ‘deltacron’

Scientists are learning more about a hybrid variant of COVID-19 that has been detected called “deltacron.” Deltacron was first reported early this year, when it was thought to be a co-infection of the omicron and delta coronavirus variants (meaning people were possibly infected with two variants at once). Now, researchers believe it’s a single, hybrid variant that combines genes from both delta and omicron.

TSA extends mask mandate on planes, public transit

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is developing guidance that will ease the nationwide mask mandate on airplanes, buses and other mass transit, according to a U.S. official, but the existing face-covering requirement will be extended through April 18.

NJ drops school mask mandate but not all districts end requirement

As New Jersey health officials continue to report progress in beating back the latest wave of COVID-19 infections, Gov. Phil Murphy on March 7 allowed schools to drop the mask mandate. However, not all school districts across the state opted to drop masking rules.

Gov. Murphy ends Public Health Emergency 2 years after NJ’s first COVID case

On March 4, 2020, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy received word that the state recorded its first case of COVID-19. He recalled the day on Friday, March 4, exactly two years later, during what he said was his last in-person COVID-19 briefing.

What the CDC’s new ‘Community Level’ tool means for your county

Most Americans live in places where healthy people, including students in schools, can safely take a break from wearing masks under new U.S. guidelines released Friday, March 4.

Murphy dropping NJ schools mask mandate

While COVID numbers continue to decline in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy announced an end to the state’s mask mandate for public schools. The governor said students and school staff can go maskless beginning March 7. The statewide mandate has been in effect since the start of the academic year in September.

4th COVID shot: Who will need another booster soon?

As COVID cases caused by the omicron variant finally start to wane in the U.S., is it time to look ahead to the next variant? And will we need another booster shot to protect us from it?

Pfizer asks FDA to allow COVID vaccine for kids under 5

Pfizer on Tuesday, Feb. 1, asked the U.S. to authorize extra-low doses of its COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5, potentially opening the way for the very youngest Americans to start receiving shots as early as March.

Newark University Hospital gets military aid amid COVID surge

A military medical team is now on the ground in Newark, New Jersey after arriving early Thursday, Jan. 20 to assist with the surge in COVID-19 patients and staff shortages that has left University Hospital overwhelmed.

Gov. Murphy: NJ schools could ditch masks before end of academic year

 As New Jersey’s COVID numbers start to slowly drop, Gov. Phil Murphy predicted Thursday, Jan. 20 that schools in the Garden State could reach a point before the end of this school year where masks are no longer required.

CDC encourages more Americans to consider N95 masks

U.S. health officials on Friday, Jan. 14, encouraged more Americans to wear the kind of N95 or KN95 masks used by health care workers to slow the spread of COVID-19. Those kinds of masks are considered better at filtering viruses from the air. But they previously were in short supply, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials had said they should be prioritized for health care workers.

Murphy reinstates Public Health Emergency for NJ as COVID spreads rapidly

Gov. Phil Murphy renewed his Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency declarations for the Garden State on Tuesday, Jan. 11. The executive order allows state agencies and departments to use resources to assist in the battle against COVID-19, according to a release from the governor’s office.

NJ COVID surge, pandemic recovery top priorities for Gov. Murphy in 2022

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy delivered his State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 11, as the Garden State continued to grapple with another wave of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

“Our state remains on a war footing against a virus that has now taken on a new form. Omicron is doing its best to stop us in our tracks and push us back. We will not let it,” Murphy said.

FDA shortens Moderna booster wait time to 5 months

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shortened the amount of time Moderna recipients need to wait to get a booster dose from six months to five months, aligning the timeline with Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine. 

The agency announced it amended its emergency use authorization for the Moderna vaccine to allow adults to get a booster dose a month earlier than previously. 

Officials, including Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, cited the highly transmissible omicron variant as reasoning for the update. 

CDC shortens Pfizer booster wait time to 5 months

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention updated their recommendation for when many people can get the Pfizer COVID booster shot, shortening the interval from six months to five months.

The booster wait times for those who received the Johnson & Johnson (two months)or the Moderna vaccines (six months), have not changed.

Additionally, the CDC also recommended that moderately or severely immunocompromised children 5 to 11 years old receive an additional, third dose of the Pfizer vaccine 28 days after their second shot.

NJ COVID hospitalizations soar

COVID-19 hospitalizations in New Jersey have blown passed the peak number reported during last winter’s surge, state Health Department data showed on Monday, Jan. 3. There were 4,715 people hospitalized on Sunday, Jan. 2. By comparison, the peak daily number of hospitalizations during last winter’s surge was 3,873.

NJ first lady positive for COVID; Gov. Murphy tests negative

New Jersey’s first lady Tammy Murphy tested positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test, a spokesperson said on Sunday, Jan. 2. Gov. Phil Murphy and the rest of his family tested negative, but will continue to test regularly in the coming days, the spokesperson said.

NJ cities tighten COVID restrictions with mask, vaccine mandates

As COVID cases continue to surge across New Jersey, the cities of Hoboken and Paterson enacted new indoor mask mandates. Meanwhile, Newark geared up for a new vaccine mandate for indoor dining and entertainment venues.

Paterson schools go remote after winter break amid COVID surge

As New Jersey continues to see a startling spike in COVID-19 cases statewide, the Paterson school district announced on Wednesday, Dec. 22, that students will start 2022 remotely. They were initially expected to return to classrooms on Jan. 4, however given the spike in COVID cases, they will learn remotely from Jan. 4 through Jan. 17. School buildings will reopen on Jan. 18.

NJ, NY CityMD locations temporarily close while demand for testing grows

As demand for COVID-19 tests explodes across the tri-state area, City MD is “temporarily closing” 31 locations to “preserve [the] ability to staff sites.”

Newark issues indoor mask mandate in public spaces to curb COVID uptick

Folks in Newark will need to mask up before they enter indoor public spaces under an executive order signed on Monday, Dec. 19, by Mayor Ras Baraka. The indoor mask mandate was issued as the state and city continue to see a concerning spike in COVID-19 cases, spurred by the omicron and delta variants.

Biden pledges 500M free COVID-19 tests to counter omicron

With the omicron variant on the rise, President Joe Biden announced 500 million free rapid tests for Americans, increasing support for hospitals under strain from the variant and an emphasis on vaccination and boosting efforts.

How to get a free at-home COVID test kit in NJ

Need to get tested for COVID-19? A new federally funded program allows New Jersey residents to request a free at-home COVID-19 test kit.

Moderna booster raises antibodies against omicron 37-fold

Moderna said recent data on its booster shot showed that the third dose of the COVID vaccine significantly increased antibody levels against the omicron variant.

According to the company, the currently authorized booster dose increased omicron-neutralizing antibodies approximately 37-fold, compared to pre-boost levels.

Breakthrough COVID infections may create ‘super immunity’

Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University say they’ve found evidence to suggest that breakthrough infections create “super immunity” to the virus that causes COVID-19.

“You can’t get a better immune response than this,” senior author Fikadu Tafesse, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the OHSU School of Medicine, said.

Watch out for these 5 early omicron symptoms, study says

Wondering if you have a cold or the highly transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus?

Well, based on the top five symptoms according to one study, it might be hard to tell.

A year after 1st COVID vaccinations in NJ, governor pushes booster shots

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy marked the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccinations in the state on Wednesday, Dec. 15, by promoting booster shots.

US COVID-19 death toll hits 800,000

The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 topped 800,000 on Dec. 14, a once-unimaginable figure seen as doubly tragic, given that more than 200,000 of those lives were lost after the vaccine became available last spring.

New US travel restrictions go into effect

Beginning Monday, Dec. 6, travelers heading to the U.S. will be required to show evidence of a negative COVID test within one day of boarding their flight instead of three days prior, regardless of their nationality or vaccination status. See what you need to know here.

Additionally, the TSA will extend the requirement to wear a mask on planes, trains, subways and other public transportation hubs including airports and bus terminals through the winter.

Scientists call omicron variant ‘most mutated’ version of virus

There’s one thing we keep hearing from the scientists who’ve gotten a close look at the omicron version of the virus: It’s really mutated. More mutations don’t necessarily make a virus more dangerous, but viruses evolve over time to increase their chance of survival, which can be bad for humans.

First omicron variant case confirmed in NJ, Murphy says

Gov. Phil Murphy and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said New Jersey’s first omicron case was confirmed on Friday, Dec. 3, in a fully vaccinated woman who visited New Jersey from Georgia.

Omicron COVID variant identified in California; 1st known US case

The first known case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 was identified in California, the White House and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Wednesday, Dec. 1. Dr. Anthony Fauci said the person was a traveler who returned from South Africa on Nov. 22 and tested positive on Nov. 29.

US panel backs first-of-a-kind COVID-19 pill from Merck

The Food and Drug Administration panel voted 13-10 that the antiviral drug’s benefits outweigh its risks, including potential birth defects if used during pregnancy.

How to pronounce the new COVID-19 variant

Omicron, the latest COVID-19 variant of concern designated by the World Health Organization, gets its name from a letter in the Greek alphabet. But unlike the alpha or delta variants before it, omicron might not roll off the tongue so naturally to English speakers.

Rising concerns over omicron variant

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said he expects COVID cases to rise until at least the new year, and he’s asking people to remain vigilant over the holiday season as both New Jersey and New York closely monitor for the first cases of the omicron variant.

Omicron variant prompts new US travel ban on South Africa, other nations

The United States’ ban on non-citizen travel from South Africa and seven additional African nations began on Monday, Nov. 29, due to omicron, a new COVID-19 variant of concern, White House officials said.

The United States announced on Dec. 24 it would lift the ban.

5 things to know about omicron, the new COVID ‘variant of concern’

The announcement of a COVID-19 variant called omicron by scientists in South Africa, where it was first detected, has sent governments and financial markets around the world reeling. Click here to learn more about what experts know about the new “variant of concern.”

What is this new omicron COVID variant in South Africa?

South African scientists have identified a new version of the coronavirus that they say is behind a recent spike in COVID-19 infections in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province. It’s unclear where the new variant actually arose, but it was first detected by scientists in South Africa and has also been seen in travelers to Belgium, Botswana, Hong Kong and Israel.

CDC approves expanding COVID-19 vaccine boosters to all adults

The U.S. on Friday, Nov. 19, opened COVID-19 booster shots to all adults and took the extra step of urging people 50 and older to seek one, aiming to ward off a winter surge as coronavirus cases rise even before millions of Americans travel for the holidays.

Pfizer agrees to let other companies make its COVID-19 pill

Pfizer said it would grant a license for the antiviral pill to the Geneva-based Medicines Patent Pool, which would let generic drug companies produce the pill for use in 95 countries, making up about 53% of the world’s population.

Getting a COVID vaccine before the holidays? Here are some key dates to know

Time is running out if you plan to be fully vaccinated against COVID by the holidays. Click here for the deadlines to be fully vaccinated before each holiday.

US lifts nearly 20-month international travel ban

More than a year and a half after COVID-19 concerns prompted the U.S. to close its borders to international travelers from countries including Brazil, China, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom and much of Europe, restrictions are shifting to focus on vaccine status.

Bans on travel from specific countries ended on Nov. 8. The U.S. will allow in international travelers, but they must be vaccinated — with a few exceptions.

The U.S. also reopened the land borders with Canada and Mexico for vaccinated people. Most trips from Canada and Mexico to the U.S. are by land rather than air.

US gives final clearance to COVID vaccine for kids 5 to 11

U.S. health officials on Nov. 2 gave the final signoff to Pfizer’s kid-size COVID-19 shot, a milestone that opens a major expansion of the nation’s vaccination campaign to children as young as 5.

The Food and Drug Administration already authorized the shots for children ages 5 to 11 — doses just a third of the amount given to teens and adults. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention formally recommends who should receive FDA-cleared vaccines.

Vaccinated just as likely to spread delta variant within household as unvaccinated: study

People who have received COVID-19 vaccinations are able to spread the delta variant within their household just as easily as unvaccinated individuals, a new study published on Oct. 29, shows.

Child tax credit 2022: What we know so far

As inner-party conflict continues to shave off elements of President Joe Biden’s sweeping domestic policy package, there may be good news for parents. While it’s unclear what the ultimate bill will include, Democrats arrived at a framework Thursday, Oct. 28, that included a one-year extension of the expanded child tax credit.

Moderna says its low-dose COVID shot safe, effective for kids 6 to 11

Moderna said on Oct. 25 that a low dose of its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and appears to work in 6- to 11-year-olds, as the manufacturer moves toward expanding shots to children.

FDA says Pfizer COVID vaccine looks effective for young kids

Federal health regulators said late Oct. 22, that kid-size doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine appear highly effective at preventing symptomatic infections in elementary school children and caused no unexpected safety issues, as the U.S. weighs beginning vaccinations in youngsters.

NJ among top vaccinated states in U.S.

New Jersey is among the top 10 states in the country with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates at 74%. Helping to lead the charge is Paterson, which has a 90% vaccination rate.

COVID vaccine mandate for state workers, teachers begins

Many state employees returned to in-person work on Oct. 18, the same day Gov. Phil Murphy’s requirement for them to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to regular virus testing went into effect. The vaccine or test mandate also applies to teachers in New Jersey.

New COVID safety guidance for the holidays released by the CDC

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released updated COVID-19 safety guidance for the holiday season on Friday, Oct. 15, including getting vaccinated, wearing a mask indoors if you’re not vaccinated and avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.

Rutgers team tries to understand ‘brain fog’ COVID connection

Dr. William Hu, the Chief of the Division of Cognitive Neurology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, is leading a team trying to figure out what brain fog is and how it’s connected to COVID-19.

FDA endorsement essentially calls for Johnson & Johnson to be 2-shot vaccine

An FDA panel unanimously recommended a Johnson and Johnson booster vaccine on Friday, Oct. 15.  The terms of the endorsement essentially call for the J&J COVID-19 vaccine to be a two-dose shot, rather than the one-dose shot for which it’s been known since it first got emergency use authorization last spring.

The panel called for a second shot to be available to people 18 and older, at least two months after the first shot.

FDA panel recommends Moderna booster shot, but the process isn’t over

A panel of medical experts affiliated with the Food and Drug Administration endorsed a COVID vaccine booster from Moderna on Thursday, Oct. 14. The panel recommended a half dose as a booster.  

Vice President Kamala Harris visits NJ day care, vaccination site

Vice President Kamala Harris made a stop in New Jersey on Friday, Oct. 8, to discuss the state’s latest vaccination efforts. She visited a day care center to highlight child care provisions in the president’s spending proposal as well as a vaccination site at Essex Community College.

Children will feel impact of pandemic on mental health for years: UNICEF report

UNICEF released a critical report on Friday, Oct. 8, which found that children and young people could feel the impact of the pandemic on their mental health for many years to come.

COVID vaccine for kids: Doctor answers your questions

The Pfizer vaccine for kids could be on the market in about a month after the drug maker filed for FDA authorization Thursday, Oct. 7, for their shot for kids ages 5 to 11.

However, many parents still have questions about the children’s COVID vaccine. Dr. Sallie Permar, the head of pediatrics at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, joined the PIX11 Morning News on Friday, Oct. 8, to share more information and answer some of the biggest questions.

Pfizer’s request to OK shots for kids a relief for parents

Parents tired of worrying about classroom outbreaks and sick of telling their elementary school-age children no to sleepovers and family gatherings felt a wave of relief Thursday, Oct. 7, when Pfizer asked the U.S. government to authorize its COVID-19 vaccine for youngsters ages 5 to 11.

NJ leaders take on ‘Mayors Vaccine Challenge’

Two New Jersey mayors are going head-to-head in an effort to get more people vaccinated against COVID-19. It’s all part of the ongoing vaccination campaign in the Garden State that has already propelled it as one of the nation’s leaders in the fight against COVID-19. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh is squaring off with Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora in what the state is calling the “Mayors Vaccine Challenge.”

New Jersey surpasses 1 million COVID-19 cases

As of Tuesday, Sept. 28, more than 1 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in New Jersey since the pandemic reached the state in 2020.

Pfizer submits vaccine data on kids to FDA

Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE announced they have submitted initial data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from the Phase 2/3 trial of their COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 to 11.

In the trial, which included 2,268 participants 5 to 11 years of age, the vaccine demonstrated a favorable safety profile and elicited robust neutralizing antibody responses using a two-dose regimen of 10 μg doses. 

NJ offers $500 ‘return to work bonus’ to unemployed residents

Unemployed New Jersey residents could earn a $500 bonus to return to the workforce as part of a new program announced by Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday, Sept. 27. The “Return and Earn” initiative will offer the one-time bonus to folks who secure a job through the program, including positions that require on-the-job training.

CDC director overrules panel, backs booster for all adults in high-risk jobs

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday, Sept. 23, endorsed booster shots for millions of older or otherwise vulnerable Americans. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed off on the recommendations from a panel of advisers, but then overnight added one more the panel had rejected.

The panel had voted against saying that people ages 18 to 64 can get a booster if they are health-care workers or have another job that puts them at increased risk of being exposed to the virus.

FDA OKs Pfizer COVID-19 boosters for 65 and older, high-risk Americans

The FDA authorized booster doses for Americans who are 65 and older, younger people with underlying health conditions and those in jobs that put them at high-risk for COVID-19. The ruling represents a drastically scaled back version of the Biden administration’s sweeping plan to give third doses to nearly all American adults to shore up their protection amid the spread of the highly contagious delta variant.

J&J booster shot 94% effective 2 months after 1st dose

Johnson & Johnson on Tuesday, Sept. 21, said new data shows a second dose — or a booster shot — of their one-shot COVID vaccine was found to be 94% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 when given two months after the initial dose.

Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine works in kids ages 5 to 11

Pfizer said Monday, Sept. 20, its COVID-19 vaccine works for children ages 5 to 11 and that it will seek U.S. authorization for this age group soon — a key step toward beginning vaccinations for youngsters.

Vaccine mandate for child care facilities

Gov. Phil Murphy said all child care workers and facility employees need to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1 or face regular weekly testing. As of Sept. 24, all employees, students and children in a facility’s care ages two and up will need to wear masks indoors, with limited exceptions.

Moderna vaccine is most effective against hospitalization from COVID-19: study

A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compared how effective each of the three COVID-19 vaccines are in preventing hospitalization from the virus. The CDC reported that effectiveness was higher for the Moderna vaccine (93%) than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (88%) and the J&J vaccine (71%).

New Jersey surpassed as state with highest rate of COVID deaths

Mississippi has surpassed New Jersey as the state with the highest rate of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S., with roughly 1 of every 320 Mississippians having succumbed to the coronavirus.

COVID-19 is ‘getting better’ at becoming airborne virus

Recent COVID-19 variants are much more adept at airborne transmission than the original version of the coronavirus, according to a new study. University of Maryland researchers analyzed the Alpha variant first identified in the United Kingdom and discovered that carriers breathe out 43 to 100 times more infectious viral aerosols than those infected with the original strain.

EU removes US from safe travel list

The European Union recommended that its 27 nations reinstate restrictions on tourists from the U.S. because of rising coronavirus infections there.

COVID-19 variants significantly reduce protection of vaccines, prior infection: study

A new study confirms that vaccinations and even prior COVID-19 infection provide significantly less protection against newer variants. Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University say in order to protect against the Alpha, Beta, and now Delta variants, these findings stress the importance of doubling down on both vaccinations and public health measures during the pandemic.

Mask debate moves from school boards to courtrooms

The rancorous debate over whether returning students should wear masks in the classroom has moved from school boards to courtrooms. In at least 14 states, lawsuits have been filed either for or against masks in schools. In some cases, normally rule-enforcing school administrators are finding themselves fighting state leaders in the name of keeping kids safe.

Supreme Court allows evictions to resume during pandemic

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority is allowing evictions to resume across the United States, blocking the Biden administration from enforcing a temporary ban that was put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic. New Jersey’s statewide rent moratorium expires at the end of the year.

These foods are extra hard to find right now because of shortages, supply chain issues

Notice your grocery store shelves looking a little bare lately? You’re definitely not the only one. Supply chain issues have created shortages of highly specific ingredients.

‘It’s up to us’: Fauci says pandemic could possibly end by spring 2022

The nation’s top infectious disease expert believes the pandemic’s end is near as long as the U.S. follows the right protocols to contain COVID-19. Dr. Anthony Fauci said he sees the light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s only open if the country’s 80 million to 90 million unvaccinated people are convinced to get the shot.

Comirnaty: What’s the story behind the new Pfizer vaccine name?

Comirnaty, who? It’s the same exact mRNA vaccine Pfizer has been producing through the emergency use authorization, but now it’s being marketed under a new name.

Is an earache a new COVID-19 symptom?

Doctors say they’re seeing a new COVID-19 symptom in some patients. According to experts, an earache has been reported more frequently by those testing positive for COVID. Earaches can cause pain, a feeling of blockage and sometimes muffled hearing.

Johnson & Johnson: Vaccine booster provides ‘rapid, robust’ response

Johnson & Johnson on Wednesday, Aug. 25, announced new data the company said supports the use of its COVID vaccine as a booster shot for people previously vaccinated with their single-shot vaccine.

J&J said the new data showed that a booster shot of their vaccine generated a “rapid and robust increase in spike-binding antibodies, nine-fold higher than 28 days after the primary single-dose vaccination.”

NJ to require teachers, state workers be fully vaccinated

All school personnel and state workers in New Jersey will be required to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday, Aug. 23.

Will COVID booster shot have the same side effects as the first two shots?

The Biden administration said Wednesday, Aug. 18, that COVID booster shots will soon be available, but how will the Sept. 20 rollout work, and what side effects should Americans expect?

Lambda and B.1.621: New COVID variants could be the worst yet, doctor warns

At least two new COVID-19 variants have hit the United States and they could be worse than the delta variant in their infectiousness and ability to stand up to vaccines, according to a top medical authority.

U.S. health officials call for booster shots for all to battle COVID-19

U.S. health officials recommended all Americans get COVID-19 booster shots to shore up their protection amid the surging delta variant and evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness is falling. The announcement was made on Aug. 18.

Schumer calls for federal crackdown on fake vaccine cards

The Senate’s top Democrat says federal law enforcement officials need to crack down on fake COVID-19 vaccination cards being sold online.

COVID claims more young victims as deaths climb yet again

The COVID-19 death toll has started soaring again as the delta variant tears through the nation’s unvaccinated population and fills up hospitals with patients, many of whom are younger than during earlier phases of the pandemic.

Concerts, outdoor events still risky as delta variant surges, experts say

Concerts and outdoor events are returning, and many are requiring proof of vaccination as part of new safety protocols designed to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19. But while experts say being outdoors is less risky in general, they continue to recommend additional precautions for those visiting crowded outdoor venues.

Biden weighs stiffer vaccine rules as delta variant spreads rapidly across U.S.

When the pace of vaccinations in the U.S. first began to slow, President Joe Biden backed incentives like million-dollar cash lotteries if that’s what it took to get shots in arms. But as new COVID infections soar, he’s testing a tougher approach.

Who doesn’t need the COVID-19 vaccine?

It has been eight months since the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered to health care workers nationwide. Since then, the vaccine has become available to anyone ages 5 and older. Experts explain the few instances in which a person would not qualify for, or should delay getting vaccinated.

Extra COVID shot OK’d for immunocompromised individuals

The FDA has approved an extra, third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for transplant recipients and others with severely weakened immune systems.

Fake COVID vaccine cards worry college officials

With more than 600 colleges and universities now requiring proof of COVID-19 inoculations, an online industry has sprung up offering fake vaccine cards.

What to do if you lose your COVID-19 vaccine card

Don’t worry if you’ve lost your COVID-19 vaccine card, there are several ways you can get it replaced. No matter where you got your shots, getting a replacement card is possible.

Will NJ reinstate a travel advisory?

Gov. Murphy said on Aug. 9, a new travel advisory is not off the table, but for now he encouraged mask wearing, which is mandatory in all airports and on flights, and other COVID safety protocols. “You gotta use your head,” he added.

Will NJ mandate masks indoors?

Despite CDC data showing New Jersey falls under its guidance to wear masks indoors, Gov. Murphy said he will not yet mandate face coverings but added, “we leave all options on the table.”

COVID transmission levels call for indoor masking under CDC guidelines

Indoor masking is advised in areas with COVID transmission rates considered “substantial” or “high” under recently updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of Aug. 8, all of New Jersey falls under those categories.

How do you know if you have the delta variant of COVID-19?

So you’ve tested positive for COVID – but which COVID exactly? Is there a way to tell if you have the highly transmissible delta variant? There is a way to tell, but there’s not really a way for you to tell.

COVID breakthrough cases: Is one vaccine better than others?

COVID-19 breakthrough cases are rising, and now people want to know which vaccine offers the best protection from the coronavirus.

Are kids more vulnerable to the delta variant of COVID-19?

Hospitals around the United States, especially in the South, are starting to fill back up again as the delta variant tears though the country. With previous waves of infection, we’ve been most worried about the elderly being vulnerable. Now, it’s younger people – even children – starting to show up in hospital beds.

NJ schools mask mandate: Teachers’ union backs, Republicans slam Murphy decision

New Jersey Republicans have largely trashed Gov. Phil Murphy’s announcement on Aug 6 that masks will be required in all schools in the upcoming academic year.

Gov. Murphy mandates masks in schools

In a reversal of plans, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Aug. 6 a mandate for masks in schools for the upcoming academic year.

NJ health care workers must be vaccinated or tested for COVID-19

Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order on Aug. 6 mandating that all workers in state and private health care facilities either be vaccinated for COVID-19 or tested for it twice a week.

50% of U.S. population is fully vaccinated, White House says

The United States reached a vaccination milestone on Aug. 6: 50% of the population, all ages, were fully vaccinated, the White House COVID-19 data director confirmed.

CDC says people who’ve had COVID should get shot or risk reinfection

Even people who have recovered from COVID-19 are urged to get vaccinated, especially as the extra-contagious delta variant surges — and a new study shows survivors who ignored that advice were more than twice as likely to get reinfected.

Moderna says vaccine 93% effective after 6 months

Moderna said its COVID vaccine has 93% efficacy six months after the second shot, according to a report released on Aug. 5.

Can I get ‘long COVID’ if I’m infected after getting vaccinated?

It’s unclear, but researchers are studying the chances of long-term symptoms developing in anyone who might get infected after vaccination.

What is the delta plus variant of COVID?

The latest surge in COVID-19 infections is fueled by the highly contagious delta variant first identified in India late last year. Now, a variation of that variant is beginning to generate headlines. Here’s what we know about the COVID sub-strain being called delta plus.

Vaccine mandate for state colleges?

Currently, some state colleges in New Jersey are mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for students and staff and some have made it optional. Murphy said a universal mandate “is certainly an option,” but for now individual universities can make their own call.

More ‘pain and suffering’ ahead as COVID cases rise, Fauci says

Dr. Anthony Fauci warned on Aug. 1 that more “pain and suffering” is on the horizon as COVID-19 cases climb again and officials plead with unvaccinated Americans to get their shots.

Walmart requiring COVID vaccination, masks for many employees

Walmart associates who work in multiple facilities, and associates of its campus office, needed to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 4. Walmart also required associates, including those fully vaccinated, to wear masks in its stores.

Iconic NJ restaurant The Fireplace closes after 65 years

A popular restaurant in New Jersey closed its doors after 65 years of service.

The Fireplace, like many other restaurants across the country, was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and temporarily shuttered its doors before reopening in May, when they implemented drive-thru, takeout and curbside pickup followed by indoor dining in October.

New delta variant research makes strong case for vaccination

A report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized the delta variant is more dangerous and fast-spreading than first thought. The findings also made clear why efforts to get more people vaccinated are vital.

CDC data shows delta variant spreads as easily as chickenpox

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new information on July 30, saying the coronavirus delta variant can spread as easily as chickenpox.

Pfizer: COVID vaccine protective for at least 6 months

The effectiveness of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine wanes slightly over time but it remains strongly protective for at least six months after the second dose, according to company data released on July 28.

Disney World requires masks indoors regardless of vaccination status

Beginning July 30, Disney World required all visitors ages 2 and older to wear a face covering while indoors as well as in Disney buses, the monorail and the Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status.

NJ mask guidance

Gov. Phil Murphy and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli strongly recommended that both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents wear masks in indoor settings when there is increased risk.

CDC mask guidance: Vaccinated people should wear face coverings in public indoor settings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed course on some masking guidelines, recommending that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging.

U.S. headed in ‘wrong direction’ on COVID-19, Fauci says

The United States is in an “unnecessary predicament” of soaring COVID-19 cases fueled by unvaccinated Americans and the virulent delta variant, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert said on July 25.

Is asking about someone’s COVID vaccine status a HIPAA violation?

HIPAA was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996 during a time when medical records were being computerized. It was created to simplify the administration of health insurance and to prevent unauthorized access to peoples’ medical histories.

In fact, HIPAA doesn’t block anyone from asking another person about their health status, according to Alan Meisel, law professor and bioethics expert at the University of Pittsburgh.

Child tax credit checks: Will they become permanent?

The parents of an estimated 60 million American children began receiving child tax credit payments from the IRS in mid-July in a move expected to lift millions of families above the poverty baseline for the remainder of 2021. Should they become permanent?

‘Pandemic of the unvaccinated’

President Joe Biden was forced to confront the worrying reality of rising cases and deaths — and the limitations of his ability to combat the persistent vaccine hesitance responsible for a summer backslide.

Common cholesterol drugs may significantly reduce risk of death from COVID-19: study

Statins, a common medication for lowering cholesterol, may be saving lives among patients with COVID-19. A study revealed hospitalized coronavirus patients who took statins were much less likely to die from the illness.

WHO chief says it was ‘premature’ to rule out COVID lab leak

The head of the World Health Organization acknowledged on July 15, 2021, that it was premature to rule out a potential link between the COVID-19 pandemic and a laboratory leak.

Wildfire smoke linked to increased COVID-19 risk, study says

A study released in July 2021 suggested that exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.

Global COVID-19 deaths hit 4 million amid rush to vaccinate

The global death toll from COVID-19 eclipsed 4 million on July 7, 2021, as the crisis increasingly became a race between the vaccine and the highly contagious delta variant.

Unvaccinated made up 99% of US COVID deaths in July 2021

America’s top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said in July that about 99.2% of COVID-19 deaths in the United States involved unvaccinated people. “It’s really sad and tragic that most all of these are avoidable and preventable,” he added.

There’s more to the worker shortage than pandemic unemployment, experts say

The workforce shortage is a combination of several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a shift in the economy, and changes in the workforce demographics, experts say.

Latest official indicators

As of Wednesday, there have been 1,905,347 total positive PCR tests in the state since March 2020, and there have been 30,272 lab-confirmed COVID-19 deaths, according to the state Health Department.

COVID-19 timeline: How novel coronavirus spread