Former Governor Chris Christie continues his repudiation of Donald Trump, and warned some of the GOP’s biggest donors if the party does not move on from Trump, republicans will not be able to capitalize on some big victories in last week’s election.
Christie was speaking before the Republican Jewish Coalition conference this weekend in Las Vegas as he continues to contemplate another run for the White House.
While Trump continues to flirt with another presidential run, the handful of GOP hopefuls invited to speak on Saturday mostly tip-toed around any mention of the former President.
Not Christie.
“Every minute that we spend talking about 2020 — while we’re wasting time doing that, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer are laying ruin to this country,” Christie told attendees, “We better focus on that and take our eyes off the rearview mirror and start looking through the windshield again.”
Once one of Trump’s biggest defenders, Christie has been on a campaign to force the Republican Party to abandon the “stolen election” narrative. “We can no longer talk about the past and the past elections,” Christie said, “No matter where you stand on that issue, it is over.”
However, Christie did say Trump could have a positive role to play in the GOP, though questioned whether he would do so. Christie says if Trump would “tell the truth about the election and move on,” he could help republican candidates and not be such a polarizing figure.
Christie has made no secret he is considering another bid for the presidency, but told CNN he would not make a decision until after the 2022 midterm elections. He also says unlike other prominent possibles, Trump will have no influence on his decision. “Anybody who says that they’ll step aside for anybody else, I’d say to you, doesn’t belong being president,” Christie told CNN, “If you don’t believe in yourself enough to stand up to anyone, then you can’t possibly stand up for everyone.”
Census 2020: The 20 biggest places in New Jersey
A countdown of the 20 most populous municipalities in New Jersey, as measured by the 2020 Census.
NJ towns and their nicknames
NJ teachers and educators caught in sex crime busts
Over the past few years, state lawmakers have taken on the challenge of dealing with accused child predators among the ranks of teachers and educators.
In 2018, the so-called “pass the trash” law went into effect, requiring stricter New Jersey school background checks related to child abuse and sexual misconduct.
The follow individuals were arrested over the past several years. Some have been convicted and sentenced to prison, while others have accepted plea deals for probation.
Others cases are still pending, including some court delays amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
NEW JERSEY — Below you will find the most up-to-date information on coronavirus news impacting New Jersey. You can find additional resources and coverage on our coronavirus page.
U.S. 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.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 8, bans on travel from specific countries are over. The U.S. will allow in international travelers, but they must be vaccinated — with a few exceptions.
The U.S. is also reopening 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.
U.S. appeals court halts Biden vaccine mandate for companies
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay of the requirement by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration that those workers be vaccinated by Jan. 4 or face mask requirements and weekly tests.
US gives final clearance to COVID vaccine for kids 5 to 11
U.S. health officials on Tuesday, 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 Friday, 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
FDA says Pfizer COVID vaccine looks effective for young kids
Federal health regulators said late Friday, 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 Monday, 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.
IRS sending October installment of child tax credit after delay in September
Families across the country are starting to receive their October child tax credit. The IRS says the program’s fourth monthly payment is already hitting Americans’ bank accounts after a technical issue last month caused delays for some recipients.
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.
Need to be vaccinated by Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas? Here are the deadlines
People who want to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas are running out of time. Two of the three vaccines available in the U.S. require two doses spread weeks apart and a waiting period once the shots have been administered.
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.
U.S. hits 700,000 COVID deaths just as cases begin to fall
The United States reached its latest heartbreaking pandemic milestone Friday, Oct. 1, eclipsing 700,000 deaths from COVID-19 just as the surge from the delta variant is starting to slow down and give overwhelmed hospitals some relief.
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.
Is it safe to trick-or-treat this Halloween? CDC weighs in
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on Face the Nation that kids can trick-or-treat safely this year, adding, “If you’re able to be outdoors, absolutely.”
CDC director overrules panel, backs booster for all adults in high-risk jobs
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.
U.S. panel backs Pfizer COVID-19 boosters only for 65 and over, high-risk
An influential federal advisory panel overwhelmingly rejected a plan to give Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to most Americans, but it endorsed the extra shots for those who are 65 or older or run a high risk of severe disease.
COVID outbreaks in NJ schools
As of Wednesday, Sept. 15, there were six outbreaks in New Jersey schools, according to Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli. An outbreak is defined as at least three cases that are epidemiologically connected and not from the same household.
The cases are a mix of students and staff, Persichilli said. More information will be released on the state Health Department website in the coming days.
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.
NJ COVID hospitalizations top 1,000 for the first time since May: Gov. Murphy
For the first time since May, more than 1,000 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in New Jersey on Wednesday, Aug. 25, Gov. Phil Murphy said. There were 1,012 people hospitalized with COVID, 92 of whom were on ventilators, according to state Health Department data. The last time the state had more than 1,000 COVID hospitalizations was over three months ago on May 11, Murphy said.
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.
August child tax credit payments issued: Here’s why yours might be delayed
The second installment of expanded child tax credits was issued on Aug. 13 to millions of eligible families, but some payments will likely be delayed due to a technical glitch, the U.S. Department of Treasury said.
Schumer calls for federal crackdown on fake vaccine cards
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.
NJ county opens COVID booster shot appointments
Health care officials in a northern New Jersey county began offering COVID-19 booster shots to qualified residents on Aug. 14. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. said appointments for a third shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine were open at vaccination centers at Kmart in West Orange and Essex County College in Newark.
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 over the age of 12. 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
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?
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.
U.S. averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections a day as delta surges
The United States is now averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections a day, returning to a milestone last seen during the winter surge in yet another bleak reminder of how quickly the delta variant has spread through the country. The U.S. was averaging about 11,000 cases a day in late June. Now the number is 107,143.
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.
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.
‘You have lost your minds’: Murphy lashes out at anti-vax protesters
Warning of more delta mutations, Fauci urges vaccinations
The White House COVID-19 response team said the delta variant continues to surge across the country. During a briefing on Aug. 5, Dr. Anthony Fauci called on Americans to take precautions to stop the virus from mutating. “The ultimate end game of all this is vaccination,” he said.
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
In a memo, Walmart announced that associates who work in multiple facilities, and associates of its campus office, will need 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
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.
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
Doctors warn about slightly different symptoms with delta variant of COVID
As concern grows regarding the COVID-19 delta variant, health leaders are warning about somewhat different symptoms that come with it.
Most unvaccinated Americans unlikely to get COVID-19 shots, new AP poll finds
A new poll shows that most Americans who haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19 say they are unlikely to get the shots. About 16% say they probably will get the vaccine.
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.
Gov. Murphy holds off on reinstating mask mandate
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says he’s not ready to reinstitute mask requirements, now or when schools are back in session in September. Murphy says he “is comfortable where we are” on mask mandates but is also closely monitoring developments.
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 a move expected to lift millions of families above the poverty baseline for the remainder of 2021. Should they become permanent?
Biden grapples with ‘pandemic of the unvaccinated’
President Joe Biden is confronting the worrying reality of rising cases and deaths — and the limitations of his ability to combat the persistent vaccine hesitance responsible for the summer backslide.
Child tax credit: When to expect payments, how it may impact tax returns
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 new study reveals hospitalized coronavirus patients who take statins are 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 it was premature to rule out a potential link between the COVID-19 pandemic and a laboratory leak, and he said he is asking China to be more transparent as scientists search for the origins of the coronavirus.
Wildfire smoke linked to increased COVID-19 risk, study says
A new study suggests that exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.
What can I do if I didn’t get my child tax credit payment?
The official disbursement date for the first child tax credit payments from the Internal Revenue Service was July 15, but parents may not see the cash right away.
Delta now dominant COVID variant in New Jersey
The highly transmissible delta variant is now the dominant strain in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said on July 12. The governor urged New Jersey residents to get vaccinated against COVID if they haven’t already done so.
Global COVID-19 deaths hit 4 million amid rush to vaccinate
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.
Free health insurance included in stimulus benefits for unemployment recipients
Along with $1,400 stimulus checks and monthly child tax credit payments, the American Rescue Plan has another important benefit available to people who qualified for unemployment assistance this year: free health care.
Will one dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine protect me?
Yes, but not nearly as much as if you had both doses. Experts recommend getting fully vaccinated, especially with the emergence of worrisome coronavirus mutations such as the delta variant first identified in India.
Workers enjoy the upper hand as companies scramble to hire
With the economy growing rapidly as it reopens from the pandemic, many employers are increasingly desperate to hire. Yet evidence suggests that as a group, the unemployed aren’t feeling the same urgency to take jobs.
As of Sunday, there have been 1,049,464 total positive PCR tests in the state since March 2020, and there have been 25,269 lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths, according to the state Health Department.
Governor Phil Murphy: Good afternoon, everybody. With me today is the woman on my right who needs no introduction, the Commissioner of the Department of Health, Judy Persichilli, to her right, another familiar face, the State’s Epidemiologist, Dr. Christina Tan. To my left, another guy who needs no introduction, the Superintendent of the State Police, Colonel Pat Callahan. We have chief counsel, Parimal Garg, and a cast of thousands here.
First a programming note – and we’re going to go with this and see how it feels as we have over the past. Starting today, we’re going to drop back to providing these in-person briefings once a week, and at least for the time being on Mondays. Throughout the pandemic, we have altered as you know the numbers of briefings based on numerous factors including the paths that the numbers are taking and our expectations for major announcements. As things are currently progressing, we are confident in being able to meet once a week, and as always, the numbers will continue to be updated daily on our dashboard at covid19.nj.gov, which you see on the screen, and we’ll continue to push out information through our social media channels. Again, we’ll meet, unless you hear otherwise, Mondays at 1 o’clock right here.
Before we get to the numbers, I want to quickly speak to congress’s passage at long last of the bipartisan infrastructure bill late Friday night. For New Jersey, this bill can be summed up in two words: game changer. First of all, the bill sets up the long-awaited construction of the gateway – the full gateway program of rail improvements leading to and from New York City including the desperately needed new rail tunnels under the Hudson. Gateway aside, there is more than $12 billion that New Jersey’s now set to receive to give our state the safe, modern, and reliable infrastructure our economic future demands. There is no lack of roads or bridges needing repair. For example, more than 500 bridges statewide are categorized as structurally deficient. There is no lacking for upgraded mass transit networks, including buses and ferries, no lack of need for electric vehicle charging stations, for improved internet connectivity, and on and on. All of this is covered in this bill.
I’m equally pleased – I think this is a real badge of honor for New Jersey – that every single member of our congressional house delegation on both sides of the aisle voted for these critical investments on Friday. This vote is proof that congress can get big things done, and of course, both of our terrific senators had already voted for infrastructure I think as far back as August. These projects will create good jobs now and support good jobs for years to come, and for a state like ours, which relies upon solid infrastructure like few others, this is fuel for our continued economic growth and security. I congratulate the President for his hard work to get this investment done, and again, I thank our delegation, Democrats and Republicans, who helped write it and support it.
At the same time, I am pleased that the latest iteration of the Build Back Better Plan, which should soon be before Congress, would restore the federal, state, and local tax deduction for countless middle class New Jersey homeowners. This is a tremendously positive step forward to undo the damage foisted upon middle class taxpayers under the tax reform passed in 2017. Our delegation, again, has been central in getting the SALT reduction restored, and I thank them for this as well. Now let’s get this done, and get tax relief into the hands of our middle class as well as making childcare more affordable and accessible, getting a strong focus on clean energy to combat climate change and more issues critical to our state’s economic long-term well-being.
Next up, a quick announcement for the Department of Human Services that they continue to accept applications for the Exclude New Jerseyans Fund program. This program is open to individuals who suffered an economic hardship due to COVID-19 but were excluded from pandemic-related financial help including residents returning from the justice system and undocumented individuals. For complete eligibility information and to apply, please go to that website, excludednjfund.nj.gov, excludednjfund.nj.gov.
With that, let’s move to today’s numbers. The important thing with today’s overall vaccination numbers, Judy, I think, is that children aged 5 to 11 years are now eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. As we noted last week, we hit the green light on this the moment the FDA provided its final vaccination guidance, which I believe was on Wednesday. As of this morning, you can see 9,116 between the ages of 5 to 11 years old have gotten their first dose, so for all parents, we strongly encourage you to get your child vaccinated against COVID. When I look back at our announcement over the summer that our schools would begin the academic year with a masking requirement in place – by the way a requirement that gave none of us any joy – one of the reasons was that our youngest students were not yet eligible for vaccinations. Now they are, and with each child who gets vaccinated and enters a classroom with an educator who was vaccinated and sits among their peers who are vaccinated, the closer we get to being able to lift this requirement.
With that, let’s take a quick look at the latest reports of in-school transmission, which we’ll get to now as we weren’t able – we weren’t together last Wednesday. These numbers take us through last Monday, November 1st. For the week of October 25th through November 1st as you can see there were an additional 11 outbreaks linked to in-school activities. That’s the same number, by the way, from the prior week. These 11 outbreaks impacted 68 students and 11 staff members statewide. You can see there too the overall numbers of students and staff who have tested positive for coronavirus through a confirmed case of in-school transmission, and again, 148 cumulative outbreaks, 681 students cumulatively impacted, 113 members of staff cumulatively impacted. Again, we would never, ever, ever minimize any of these numbers. Once case is one case too many, but it does bear repeating that we have more than 1.5 million students across 3,500 school buildings statewide. These overall numbers are proving that our multi-layered approach to safety is working, and it can only be enhanced thorough vaccination.
Let’s also in that respect take a quick look at the latest breakthrough case numbers as well. As the recent spike in cases due to the Delta variant wanes, so too – I’m knocking on wood, Judy, on that one, and Tina – so too has the numbers of identified breakthrough cases. What hasn’t changed is the fact that the vaccines continue to prove highly effective in not only slowing the spread of the virus but in preventing those who do test positive from developing a case of COVID that would land them in the hospital or worse yet kill them. Here are the preliminary – latest preliminary weekly results, and again, across the board the overwhelming majority of new cases, hospitalizations continue to be from among the distinct minority of residents who remain unvaccinated.
Here are today’s latest newly reported cases. Over the past several days, the rate of transmission ticked up above that benchmark level of 1 meaning a slightly increased rate of spread. That should just remind us that this virus is still among us, and as we begin moving back indoors with more of our lives [09:10] with the cooler weather, we still need to remain vigilant. Referring back to our breakthrough slides, this is another case for vaccination and the proof that you are vaccinated and do subsequently test positive, your chances of staying out of the hospital and above ground are only strengthened.
Here are the latest numbers from our hospitals over each of the past seven days, the overall hospital count has been under 700 total patients, but the numbers of patients in the ICU and on ventilators has remained stable. When compared to where we were a year ago, you can see the difference that vaccinations have made. If you remember throughout October of last year, we had a massive surge of cases not unlike the Delta surge we saw over the summer and earlier this fall. However, while there are 627 hospitalized today with 144 folks in ICUs, one year ago, those numbers were 1,439 and 284 respectively. Again, even with the Delta surge, fueled largely by spread among the unvaccinated, we escape a repeat of these numbers in large part because of vaccination.
Here is the latest with the heaviest heart of confirmed COVID-related deaths, so as we always do, let’s remember a few more of those lives we’ve lost. For our first two, we are reaching back to the pandemic’s earliest days. Fair Lawn’s Barbara Louise Weston, on the right, was 90 years old when she passed on April 5, 2020. That was Palm Sunday of 2020. Born and raised as one of eight siblings in the Bloomingdale Butler area of Passaic County, she joined many of her peers in finding work at the factories in Paterson, first for the Wellworth Pickle Company and later in several of the city’s famed textile mills. She went on to raise her four children but also never gave up her love for animals, and throughout her life, she supported local animal welfare organizations.
Barbara is survived by her children, Kenneth, Gloria, Connie, and Edna, and I believe – I’m not 100% positive. I believe that’s Edna on the left, with whom I had the honor of speaking last Monday. She worked for the Paterson Police Department, Pat, for 31 years. She herself had an awful case of COVID and was in the hospital. Thank God she’s out and getting back on her feet. Barbara also leaves behind not just her children but their spouses and families including a remarkable 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and multiple great-great-grandchildren among many more beloved family and friends. She also left behind her one remaining brother Paul. We are certain that God has blessed Barbara for a lifetime of good.
Next up, we remember – also from up around the same neck of the woods, we remember this guy, Ariel Cachola of Paterson. He was just 37 years old, and he passed on April 3, 2020, two weeks after Barbara did. What is the connection? The connection is that Ariel was engaged to marry one of Barbara’s granddaughters, Erica, and Erica is the brother, by the way, of the Frelinghuysen Township Deputy Mayor, Keith Ramos. Known by many by his nickname Spanky, Ariel had been a member of the staff at St. Joseph’s Regional Hospital for more than 15 years, and as would be true to probably anyone with his nickname, Ariel was blessed with a tremendous sense of humor that could pierce the tension in any situation.
In addition to leaving his fiancée Erica behind, he also leaves behind six children, Ariana, Ariel, jr., Adriel, and Alexandra and then Jacob and Rosalee, his children with Erica. He also left behind his parents, Eduvigis and Daisy, and siblings Jonathan, Eric, Kayla, and Noelle. Please keep them in your prayers as well. Ariel was one of our essential workers, working in a busy hospital at one of our darkest hours. We know God has blessed him, and we thank him, too, for his service.
Finally, for today we recall South Plainfield’s Nicola “Nick” DeSantis. He came to Middlesex County from his native Melizzano, Italy. He passed at the age of 61 on March 9 of this year, 2021. A graduate of South Plainfield High School, Nick went on to attend the Teterboro School of Aeronautics and was working as a technical service manager for MG America, the US arm of the Italian company that produces manufacturing equipment for the pharmaceutical industry. He had been with MG America for a full 29 years, and his loss left a tremendous gap in institutional knowledge and expertise. Nick left behind his wife Patricia, with whom I had the great honor of speaking Monday. I should’ve said, back to Ariel, I had the great honor of speaking with Erica, his fiancée last week as well.
Nick left behind his wife Patricia, again, with whom I had the great honor of speaking, and three children. Thomas is in Piscataway, Michelle in Jersey City, and Angela, who was married in July, I’m sure with a heavy heart missing her dad, and she lives in Verona and their families including his sole grandchild Shane. He’s also survived by his parents Antonio and Maria – please keep them in your prayers – sisters Lina and Rosa, among many others both here and back in Italy and around the world. We are grateful that the DeSantis family came to call New Jersey home, and we thank Nick for being a great example for many. May God bless and watch over him and the family he leaves behind.
Now let’s switch gears as we also do every day to salute another small business that is serving its community thanks in part to the partnership of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. In 1987 Hildegarde Mirenda – that’s Hildegarde on the right – opened the Mullica Hill Floral Company, which she runs alongside her daughter, the perfectly named Rose Oland on the left, who is the lead floral designer. Together the two boast a combined 50 years of experience and education in horticulture and floral design. In addition to working with local farms, they even use flowers from their own gardens to make every design special.
For many across south Jersey, Mullica Hill Floral Company has been the go-to for weddings and special events, but the pandemic threatened the store as it postponed countless celebrations. Thankfully, Hildegarde and Rose found a partner in the EDA which came through with emergency grants that allowed them to meet expenses, and today as those postponed weddings and other gatherings are finally being celebrated, Mullica Hill Floral Company is there to fill the need. I had a great conversation last Monday with Rose, and I thank her again for all that she and her mom are doing to make every celebration special. Check them out, mullicahillfloralco.com, mullicahillfloralco.com.
Finally, today with a heavy heart, I want to acknowledge the untimely and tragic passing of the Department of Human Service’s deputy chief of staff this guy Steve Schultz. He died unexpectedly on Halloween, and he was just 42 years old. He had dedicated his entire career to public service. He was director of the last US Senator and dear friend Frank Lautenburg’s south Jersey office as well as an aid to assembly majority leader Lou Greenwald and a senior staffer in the Camden County Clerk’s Office. Steve was also the former chief of staff for the Volunteers of America Delaware Valley and served a term as a councilman in Pine Hill. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Melissa and his sons Stephen, jr., and Jackson. Those two were his pride and joy. Steve is also survived by his mom Mary and his in-laws, countless friends, and of course, his colleagues. With the heaviest of heart, we will end on that note.
Again, I want to thank our congressional delegation for their efforts to pass the most consequential infrastructure bill in at east a generation, and I also want to thank each and every one of you who got out to vote. Democracy is not a spectator sport as they say, and this year we saw many more New Jerseyans get on the field than in recent non-presidential elections. That’s a good thing. This is how we make a stronger democracy and a better New Jersey. Again, we’ll be coming at you from now until further notice on Mondays unless matters demand otherwise. I also want to say I was incredibly proud on Friday to be at the inauguration of Rutgers president Jonathan Holloway. It was a really emotional day and a great day for Jersey and obviously Rutgers, and with that, please help me welcome the woman who needs no introduction, the Commissioner of the Department of Health, Judy Persichilli.
Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli: Thank you, Governor. Good afternoon. The department continues to promote COVID-19 vaccination, particularly among our younger individuals. The CDC’s recommendation to allow the vaccination of children ages 5 to 11 against COVID to help protect this younger population is welcome news to many parents. COVID-19 cases in children can result in hospitalizations, deaths, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and long-term complications such as long COVID, in which symptoms can linger for months. We cannot predict which child may develop severe disease, so it is important that we protect every child. The Pfizer vaccine for this group is one third of the adult dose, and clinical data, reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration has shown the vaccine to be safe and 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 5 to 11.
While most of these children have mild infections, some have more severe illness. Also, these children can transmit the infection to other children and to adults who may be more vulnerable. As of last night, 1.2% of the population 5 to 11 has received one dose of vaccine. That is over 9,000 doses. Vaccinating this population can protect other family members and those who cannot get vaccinated. It can help children stay healthy, which will allow them to stay in school, participate in sports, and socialize with their friends. Additionally, any time the virus is replicating, mutations can evolve, so stopping infections in everyone is the best way to curb this pandemic.
Parents who are looking for an appointment for their child between the ages of 5 to 11 can visit covid19.nj.gov/finder. Under select a COVID-19 vaccine, they can use the drop-down menu to select Pfizer-BioNTech age 5+ and find available appointments. The Department of Health is also working with county superintendents to stand up clinics at schools, which allows for vaccination in convenient and familiar surroundings. Some of these school clinics are kicking off this week. Parents should discuss any questions they have with their pediatrician, their family physician, or healthcare provider and visit Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccination page and the CDC website for more information.
We also want to remind individuals to get their booster shots. So far, 23.6% of those eligible to receive a booster have received a booster. For those who received Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster at six months or more after their initial series: 65 years and older, age 18+ who live in long-term care settings, age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions, and age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings. For those who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
Moving on to my daily report, as the Governor shared, we have 627 individuals in our hospitals. There’s one new report of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children for cumulative case count in New Jersey of 136. None of the children are currently hospitalized. The state veterans’ homes reports no new cases among their residents, and there are no new cases among our patients in our psych hospitals. The daily percent positivity as of November 4th is 3.78%. The northern part of the state reports 3.15%, the central part of the state 4.67%, and the southern part of the state 3.89%. That concludes my daily report. Stay safe. Get vaccinated to protect yourselves, our family, friends, and our children. Thank you.
Governor Phil Murphy: Judy, thank you as always. Before we go to Pat, a question for you and Tina. We all read reports obviously most importantly in New Jersey but around the country and around the world. Europe right now I get read in more often than not to Germany where we’ve got a lot of roots, to a lesser extent UK, other places, you’re starting to see a very significant upswing here. Any color on that? Any expectation? Is this the Delta Plus version of this? Any color on that and whether or not you think this might be coming our way? Please God, no.
Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli: I know. I’m sure Dr. Tan wants to weigh in here. The readings that we get, it’s primarily Delta Plus. At this point, the surveillance reports that Tina shares have been positive in terms of what we’re seeing in New Jersey in terms of Delta Plus, but I’ll let Tina.
State Epidemiologist Christina Tan: The new variant of Delta, the AY4.2, we haven’t really seen that at all in New Jersey much less in the United States. According to CDC’s reports, we are seeing the AY4 circulating, but it’s way less than –
Governor Phil Murphy: Tina, who names these things by the way?
State Epidemiologist Christina Tan: Huh?
Governor Phil Murphy: Who names these things?
State Epidemiologist Christina Tan: Not me.
Governor Phil Murphy: They don’t exactly roll off your tongue.
State Epidemiologist Christina Tan: There’s an entire group of individuals who handle – various interdisciplinary committees that are put together to do these types of namings, and then specifically for the AY4.2, it’s like just a handful, and the last one that was identified here in the US was sometime in September. Obviously, the CDC continues to monitor the variant activity, but for now does not seem to be an issue quite yet, but it is being monitored.
Governor Phil Murphy: Please, God, it stays that way. I believe today is the first day that the US is allowing fully vaccinated folks to travel from Europe, so we shall see. Again, please God, we’ve got this thing on the run. Thank you both. Pat, the weather’s great, which is great, but this is also the time of the year that you start doing your wargaming and getting prepped for winter weather. Any information you’ve got on that or any other matters you’ve got.
State Police Superintendent Col. Pat Callahan: Thank you, Governor. Good afternoon. Yeah, it’s a great next four days of weather, but as the Governor said, during days like today is when we get with our primary partners Department of Transportation, Board of Public Utilities, Department of Health, especially with the booster and third shot plans that we have, as well as the DEP, just to make sure that we’re prepared for what is predicted to be a pretty tough winter with regards to temperatures and storms. We use days and weeks like this to make sure that those plans are ready to be fully operational. That’s all I have, Gov.
Governor Phil Murphy: Thank you, Pat. Appreciate that. Just looking at my notes here. I think we’ll start over here with Dustin. Again, we will be back with you unless you hear otherwise a week from today. As I said, each day we post up on our websites. You’ll get the information the raw data every day, but we’ll probably – our schedule is coming together for the week. I’ll speak for myself at least but perhaps in combination with my colleagues we’ll be out there around the state in other circumstances, and hopefully, if there’s anything meaningful on COVID, we’ll communicate with you then.
Q&A Session
Here we go. Dustin, good afternoon.
Dustin Racioppi, Bergen Record: God afternoon. Your campaign put out a memo this morning saying Jack Ciattarelli should concede and that failure to do so is an assault on the integrity of our elections. Do you agree with that characterization? Just as you were walking out here, his campaign put out a statement saying that waiting a day or two for all ballots to be counted shouldn’t be controversial. Do you have any response to that? On the Senate President search, you were in a meeting last week to discuss the next senate president, expressed your support for Nick Scutari. Advocates see this as an opportunity to diversify New Jersey’s leadership, so can you talk about why you support another middle-aged white man for that position? Do you have any concerns about the ethical allegations that Senator Scutari was serially absent from his municipal prosecutor job? Thank you.
Governor Phil Murphy: I would say on our race, Dustin, when it’s mathematically impossible – and there’s a difference between conceding and counting every vote. We’re going to count every vote. That’s never been in question, right? That’s going to happen, but I think it’s incredibly dangerous when it’s mathematically impossible. Our lead right now is meaningfully larger – I don’t ant to get into too much politics here, but it’s a fact. Our lead is meaningfully larger than the lead that Glenn Youngkin has in Virginia, and that race got conceded and sowed up I think five or six days ago. This thing was run fairly. It was run transparently. Every vote will be counted, but when it’s mathematically impossible to win, I think it’s dangerous.
I think it’s bigger than winning or losing. It gets to question what it is to be an American and respect the institutions of – that we count on as a society including democracy. It’s not a question of whether or not the votes are going to get counted. They’re going to get counted. That’s never been in question, and I think the election – again, we do a postmortem on this, and we always will, and the Secretary of State leads that, and I think she deserves a lot of credit, but if it’s mathematically impossible, it’s dangerous. This is not what America is about.
Dustin, I would just say this. I did a lot of – let me put aside. I have a lot of respect and regard for Senator Scutari, number one. Number two, I was – I did a lot of listening and asked questions, and that was my job. This is not something for me to put my thumb on the scale. I haven’t, I’m not now, and I won’t. I also think the Senate President Sweeney deserves – I don’t know his race in terms of the numbers of votes, but I think he thinks at least he does have a mathematical shot. We should let that – have the respect to let that play out. I’ll leave it at that. Thank you.
Let’s go across to Matt here. Hey, Matt.
Matt Arco, NJ.com: Good afternoon, Governor. Can you just – on that last thing that you said because I wanted to ask you about your campaign statement and what you said about Senator Sweeney on Friday, saying that all those votes should be counted. How do you square that, that those should be counted? We all agree, all the votes will be counted, but how do you square with that with he should be able to maintain this public position and Jack should take a different view? Also, Senator Weinberg has said of some of the last things that she’d like to see voted on in lame duck, the controversial vaccine mandate that stalled a few years back is on that agenda. Do you think lame duck is an appropriate time to vote on such a measure, and do you support it?
Governor Phil Murphy: Is that it?
Matt Arco, NJ.com: Yes.
Governor Phil Murphy: Yeah, I think on our race, I know the math. I actually don’t know the math on Steve’s race. At least I had the impression that there was a shot. There is no shot in our race, and I think that’s the difference. I defer to the Senate President on that one. I don’t have a specific reaction to that, Matt. I did not see Senator Weinberg’s statement in that respect, so I’ll defer, if that’s okay with you. There are going to be some things that we’re going to be hyper passionate about. Protecting a woman’s reproductive freedoms is going to be high, if not at the top of that list. I’ll defer in terms of the specifics on that because I have not seen it, and we’ll leave it at that.
Sam, is that you?
Sam Sutton, Politico: Yes, it is.
Governor Phil Murphy: Sam, I’m having trouble, I have to admit to you, with the masking. I apologize.
Sam Sutton, Politico: It’s alright.
Governor Phil Murphy: Facial recognition has gone down here.
Sam: It’s okay. Speaking of the Reproductive Freedom Act, that’s the only question I’ve got for you. How do you see that faring in lame duck? Do you think it’s going to be harder for that legislation to pass as-is given how difficult this election was for legislative Democrats?
Governor Phil Murphy: On this one, I don’t – the margin of victory, frankly in this case, whether or not we won, does not factor for my – into my calculus. This is essential. If folks are just tuning into this, a woman’s reproductive freedom in New Jersey is completely predicated on case law, which is in turn completely predicated on Roe v. Wade. With the new members of the Supreme Court from President Trump’s appointments, from the steps that Supreme Court has taken in Texas and will likely take in Mississippi and other places, Roe v. Wade is under assault. It’s pretty quite clear, and the reproductive freedoms in New Jersey can only go on if they are codified statutorily in a law that I would sign, and that – what happened last week, win, lose, or draw, does not impact in one – in any respect my passion for that.
Joey, is that you? Good afternoon.
Joey Fox, New Jersey Globe: Good afternoon. So a few things here, so one, will you order county boards of elections to publicly disclose the number of votes that they have remaining to count tonight? Theoretically, every vote should be at least in if not counted by tonight Then also election results on Tuesday looked pretty different than they did on Wednesday and those look pretty different from they do now. Do you see that as an acceptable status quo, or is that something you and the state is working on to prevent those pretty slow counting that makes results look pretty different at different points? Is there any discussion about potentially leaving the Motor Vehicles Commission open next Monday, Veteran’s Day, to relieve some of the pressure on that office? Then finally, I just want to follow up on something that Dustin asked, as well. With – it’s looking relatively likely that the three most powerful politicians in New Jersey are going to, once again, be three white men. Do you see that as something that you actually want to try to change? Do you think that’s a problem in such a diverse state? Thank you?
Governor Phil Murphy: I have no problem with their disclosing what’s left to count. Parimal will correct me here if I’m wrong. If your question is as of tonight, then that’s entirely provisionals at that point. I no issue with it. I just don’t know whether or not that will happen. Parimal, any thoughts?
Chief Counsel Parimal Garg: The Governor does not order the county boards of elections as it relates to voting matters. That falls to the Secretary of State, who’s an independent cabinet officer.
Governor Phil Murphy: Am I, conceptually as a citizen, open to that? Yeah, I don’t see why not. I think we have to review – and had some good preliminary discussions. We got to make sure that we’ve got the strongest 21st Century voting reality. We’ve become one of the great vote-by-mail states. We do it really well. I think early voting with 207,000 early in-person voting, rather, first time out is a really good result. Yeah, but listen, I’m like everybody else. You’d like to be able to, in some way, have a magic wand and know what the results is as fast as you can. I lived through that personally last week in the sense of the process by which those votes come in. I’m open to anything we can do to strengthen democracy and make this as – continue to make this as transparent and as straightforward as possible.
I have no – I’ve not thought about the question of Veteran’s Day on motor vehicles, but let’s come back to you on that one. Listen, we are – and I don’t think I fully addressed it. I’m glad you brought it up because I didn’t finish my thought with Dustin. We’re the most diverse state in America. We should have a state that reflects that in terms of the leadership; there’s no question about it. We have the most diverse Cabinet in our state’s history. That’s something that I have a fairly significant amount of control over. It’s just a fact. I don’t control the process of who’s the Senate President and who’s the Speaker. I’ve enjoyed a great relationship with both Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Coughlin. Speaker Coughlin will continue to be on the case in the seat. I have to separate what I think about these folks as individuals versus an overall passion for diversity. I also don’t want to imply that I can control a process which is not mine to control. I’ll leave it at that.
Dave? Good afternoon.
David Matthau, NJ 101.5: Hi, Governor. You said that about 9,000 younger kids 5 to 11 have been vaccinated. How many children in total are eligible? Could you please remind us? What is our target for this younger group of kids in terms of vaccinations? Governor, you had also mentioned that this effort will help hopefully in the not-too-distant future to lift the mask mandate in schools. Can you talk a little bit about what it’s going to take for you to not require masks for kids in schools, what combination of factors are going to be involved, and at what levels and whether it’s really possible or impossible at this point to say what this is going to be? What would you say, Governor, to people who, I’m sure, will say immediately that you’re trying to strongarm people to get their kids vaccinated by making this kind of statement? Final question, on the Delta Plus, you raised the issue, Governor, about what we know or don’t know in terms of what’s going on here in Jersey with – in relation to what’s happening in Europe. Am I wrong in assuming that if it’s in Europe, it’s going to get here pretty soon? I mean, I remember we were talking about Delta last February, March, April, and yeah, it’s going to get here. It’s been here for a long time and now it’s basically every COVID case we have. With regard to that, Governor, how concerning is this, especially because people are so damned sick and tired of COVID, people just don’t want to hear about it anymore? Now we’re going to get a whole new Delta Plus scenario. How concerning is that? Thank you.
Governor Phil Murphy: Thank you. As usual, Sue Fulton was listening, so Joey, you asked about motor vehicles Closed Thursday, so on the 11th itself but open on Monday. Every transaction is available except first-time permits and knowledge tests. I assume she means online. The 30% no-show rate is causing problems. We’re looking to increase booking to mitigate the impact of no-shows. I could go on, but the answer is we’ll be closed Thursday but open on Monday.
Judy, let me take a shot at some of these and then throw it to you and Tina for good measure. Judy can tell you the total uptake, but I think the 9,000 was about 1-point-something percent of the eligibles, right?
Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli: One-point-two.
Governor Phil Murphy: One-point-two percent, so we’ve got a fair ways to go. On the school masking mandate, I assume the strongarm – your point was related to that, so if you get vaccinated, we’ll lift the mandate; I don’t view that strong – I view that just factually. I think it’s a number of factors, and I’ll include the question you asked about Europe as part of this. Certainly this is a big step in the right direction, so that’s very good. Secondly, another piece of good news, our general vaccination rates continue to go up. I think the booster uptake is lower than we would like. Hard to say otherwise. Generally, vaccination overall going up. Thirdly, the Delta – the current caseload and the current Delta base variant, we clearly have that going in the right direction.
What works against us? Inside more than outside, holidays, and the reason I did ask the question of Judy and Tina was that very question that you asked. What has hit Europe has historically hit us here. I do think at least relative to the UK, we’ve had a more sensible set of parameters in place. We didn’t go hog wild on one say as they appear to have. I also think we’ve got a good – at least in New Jersey, we have a good hand to play in terms of vaccination rates relative to a lot of the European countries. I would just say it’s a concern; it’d be hard to say otherwise.
Parimal reminds me earlier, the executive order for mask mandating in schools, just to put a date out there – and I’m not suggesting this is the date folks should focus on but another data point – is January 11th that expires. We would have to volitionally re-up that, but I would hope this is the beginning of a process – I can’t tell you exactly when – that we’ll be able to get to that place sooner than later. It’s not today, but I hope sooner than later.
Judy, any comment on any of that, and Tina as well, including the number of kids versus the universe of kids, etc.?
Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli: The 5 to 11 year olds, there’s 760,000 5 to 11 year olds, and we’d like to get all of them vaccinated. We’ve moved that dial from 70%, 80, 85%. The more individuals we get vaccinated, the more the virus has no place to go. Of the 12 to 17 year olds, we have 260,000 left to get vaccinated. We moved along with the 12 to 17 year olds; we’d like that to be higher as well. We have 260,000 12 to 17 year olds, 760,000 5 to 11 year olds.
David Matthau, NJ 101.5: Total for 5 to 11 year olds?
Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli: Tell you in a minute. I’ll give that to you in a minute.
Governor Phil Murphy: Tina, anything you want to add on the European question we didn’t hit already earlier?
State Epidemiologist Dr. Christina Tan: Just to add that right now, there’s no evidence at this time to suggest that this – that there’s an impact to the current vaccines that are being used right now in terms of the effectiveness of our current vaccines and AY4.2. Just to again reiterate the message that probably our best tool again is increasing our vaccination coverage. We have to remember that increasing vaccination will limit – it’s the same management, right? It’s vaccination will help prevent the spread of any of our variants that we see right now, any SARS-Co-V2 that’s circulating, on top of the fact that as we increase vaccine coverage, we’re going to minimize the ability for the virus to mutate and to create the emergence of more variants.
Governor Phil Murphy: Judy, anything on the teenagers, or do you want to get back to –
Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli: Yeah, the 12 to 17 year olds are 650,000, and we have 260,000 left to be vaccinated.
Governor Phil Murphy: So 60% of the way there, basically, right?
Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli: Yeah.
Governor Phil Murphy: I’m not making news and I – and this is just one person’s opinion. I think two other thoughts I’ll leave folks with. Number one, in terms of lifting the mask mandate in schools, I could see it as we do it in a phased approach if that number of 12 to 17 year olds gets into an acceptable zone, which it almost by definition will before the younger kids. You could see making a move, phasing it in, based on the age of the kids, high school versus middle school versus grammar school. That seems to me to be a sensible way to think about this.
Secondly, a bigger picture one, we continue – I mentioned this on the booster, so this is not related to the 5 to 11 year olds where I’m told in certain places – which is a good sign, I have to say. It’s hard to get an appointment, meaning the demand is significant. I know our friend Joe D. was all out over Essex County over the past five days, again, doing it unlike anybody else. I think at a certain point, we have to ask ourselves either as a nation or as a state, or maybe both, if we continue to have supply/demand imbalances with supply being significant and demand being under what we need it to be on boosters whether or not you open this whole thing up because right now, other than the time frame, which you’d never want to – you have to respect it has to be six months after Moderna, Pfizer; it has to be two months at a minimum after Johnson & Johnson. At a certain point, we’re sitting on more supply than demand. Then I think at some point, that has to lead us to decisions taken with the White House or taken here in New Jersey, so more on that. Not to make news, but that seems to me to be a moment in time that is in our future.
With that, Judy, Tina, thank you, as always. Pat, as always. I mention – I did not mention Jamil had the mic today. Jamil, well done. Parimal, Eliana. Again, we’ll mask up. Unless you hear otherwise, we’ll be back here in person a week from today at 1 o’clock, same time, same station. We will be, obviously, diligent each day putting data up on our websites. We’ll be out and about and if there’s news on COVID to report while we’re out and about, maybe for other reasons, we will certainly not hesitate to speak to it. Lastly, if we think we need to be together again in person, that’s a decision that we’ll make. Again, folks, if you’re eligible for your booster, please get it. if you haven’t been vaccinated at all, please, God, get vaccinated. If you’ve got a child who’s 5 to 11, it’s safe; it’s effective. Please go out there, get an appointment, and get vaccinated for those precious little kids. Thank you all. God bless.
Houghtaling and Downey Bill to Permit Advance School Enrollment for Military Dependents Prior to Relocation Passed by Assembly Committee
(TRENTON) – To ease the transition for military families ordered to relocate to New Jersey, Assembly Democrats Eric Houghtaling (D-Monmouth) and Joann Downey (D-Monmouth) sponsored a measure that would allow members of the armed forces with relocation orders to enroll their children in a school district prior to moving.
The bill (A-5694) would require a school district to waive any proof of residency requirements until after the service member’s family has been relocated within the school district. This would allow the service member’s children to be fully enrolled and registered for classes long before their first day of school.
Upon the bill’s committee success, Assembly sponsors Houghtaling and Downey released the following joint statement:
“Our military families undergo a great deal of stress when they receive relocation orders, and strict school registration requirements only add to their burden. Not allowing service members to enroll their children in their anticipated school district until they physically move puts those children at risk of missing important deadlines, which can have serious repercussions such as summer school or delayed graduation.
“Advance enrollment is a simple solution to this issue that will ensure a smooth transition for children of military families by giving them the benefit of knowing what school they will be attending and what their class schedule will be prior to their move.”
The bill now heads to the Speaker for further consideration.
Authorities have charged a Vineland daycare worker with simple assault and endangering the welfare of a child after a parent reported that her 4-year-old son was injured on his first day at the facility.
Claudia J. Smith-Heard, 48, of Millville, was issued a summons after police investigated the Nov. 1 incident at Golden Gate child care center.
Smith-Heard allegedly pushed the child’s body “numerous times on a cot in an aggressive manner while trying to get him to go to sleep,” according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case. The child “sustained numerous visible signs of injury to his face and neck (minor scrapes and redness) consistent with someone pressing down on him.”
Video surveillance and an eyewitness account support the allegations, according to police.
The Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office also interviewed the child, who “confirmed what occurred in the surveillance footage.”
Smith-Heard declined to comment when contacted Monday afternoon.
The child’s mother, whose name NJ Advance Media is withholding to protect the identify of her son, said she first learned something was wrong on the afternoon of Nov. 1 when she received a call from Smith-Heard asking her to sign an incident report because her son, after refusing to take a nap, began acting up, threw himself around and kicked her.
“I apologized and said I would come pick him up immediately,” the parent said.
She arrived at the daycare and noticed marks on his face.
“He just looked scared,” she said.
Photos she shared with NJ Advance Media show red marks and apparent bruising to the child’s face and neck.
When she got him to the car, she asked her son what had happened.
He told her the staff member “was hitting me in my face because I didn’t want to take a nap. She kept hitting me in my face and she was pinching my lips,” the mom recalled.
She walked back to the facility and demanded an explanation. Smith-Heard denied assaulting the child.
Police and EMTs were summoned to the scene.
The mom recorded video as the EMTs evaluated the child. “It looks like they grabbed him by the back of the neck, whoever did it,” one responder is heard saying, as they spot several marks on the child.
Officials with Golden Gate posted a message on their website confirming that they had completed an investigation into the incident and “terminated the individual involved.”
“The conduct exhibited by the individual is an isolated situation and is not in line with what we believe and value,” the message continued. “We want to assure you it is Golden Gate’s mission and responsibility to ensure the safety of all of our precious children.”
Golden Gate representatives did not return a call seeking comment.
The mother is angry that, as of this week, police still have not allowed her to see surveillance video of the incident.
She is hopeful that her son, who turned 5 last Thursday, will recover from the experience.
He was sleepwalking and talking in his sleep the night after the incident occurred, the mom said, adding that she heard him say “They’re getting too close to me.”
On two recent nights, she found him up at 3:30 in the morning, just sitting in bed, not speaking.
“I don’t know if he’s scared. He’s OK today,” she reported Monday morning. “He’s ready to go to school.”
She’s taking him back to his old daycare, she said.
The entire incident has been a strain on the family, but the mom wants to see the employee held accountable for what happened.
“I hate even talking about it … I’m so tired of repeating the story,” she said. “I need just justice for my baby. He is not OK. I’m not OK.”
Smith-Heard is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 16 on the charges.
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The statewide cumulative COVID-19 count stands at 1,049,464 cases and 25,269 confirmed fatalities (and 158,005 probable cases and 2,816 probable fatalities) as of Sunday (an increase of 971 confirmed cases, 195 probable cases, and 5 lab-confirmed fatalities from the previous day). The viral transmission rate is 1.01. There are 6,110,671 people fully vaccinated.
Governor Murphy discussed the election results yesterday morning on Meet The Press, saying of his accomplishments over the past four years: ‘thank God we put the programs in place’ otherwise ‘we might have been swept away as well’, while admitting that ‘there are a lot of kitchen tables that we need to connect more deeply with’.
Governor Murphy announced $10M in funding for Phase 3 of the Serve & Sustain NJ program.
The AG’s Office announced the sentencing of attorney Elizabeth Valandingham for her role in a illegal campaign contribution scheme.
Governor Murphy applauded the House passage of the infrastructure bill.
Last week’s bruising election could spell trouble for House incumbents next year, according to NJ.com.
Mail-in-ballots are growing in popularity in New Jersey, according to the Bergen Record.
Former Perth Amboy Mayor Diaz decried ‘Corzine-level energy’ among Democrats in last week’s election, saying it should be a ‘wake-up call‘ that Democrats are ‘losing their base among Latino voters’.
In LD3, Assemblyman Burzichelli reflected on the Democratic wipeout in last week’s election, saying they are ‘collateral damage to a moment in time‘ due to low Democratic enthusiasm to support Governor Murphy in South Jersey, the national ‘soap opera’, as well as the dearth of local news. Senator-elect Edward Durr apologized for past anti-Islamic comments, saying he’s a ‘passionate guy’ but supports ‘everybody’s rights’. Senate President Sweeney, meanwhile, is digging in for the long count. Governor Murphy says he’s ‘stunned‘ by the loss and doesn’t ‘welcome this in any way’, while calling Durr a ‘dangerous man’, according to NJ.com.
South Jersey powerbroker George Norcross says Election Day was a ‘tsunami‘ and that NJ Democrats are in trouble, according to Politico NJ, and that he would still like to see Senate President Sweeney run for Governor in 2025, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In LD16, Democrats Freiman and Jaffer secured victory, as Democrats swept in the district following Assemblyman Zwicker’s defeat of GOP Senate candidate Mike Pappas.
Despite big wins in Ocean County, a battle between Gilmore and Holman looms, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Senator Gill announced her candidacy for Senate President, saying ‘we are at a pivotal moment for the future of New Jersey’, setting up a potential showdown with Senator Scutari, who is poised for the position as of Friday. Black and Latino leaders issued a statement on Friday morning urging the selection of a minority for the leadership role, saying ‘we must not allow another white male to ascend to Senate President’. Essex (and state party) Chairman Jones, Passaic Chairman Currie, and Monmouth Chairman Brown issued a statement of support for Scutari, touting his ‘commitment to communities of color’. Gill’s Essex County colleague Senator Rice threw his support behind Gill, after having excoriated the Murphy campaign’s ‘failure’ to effectively communicate with minority communities.
Child care and mental health are among the Assembly’s lame duck priorities, according to NJ Monitor.
Stephen Sweeney, a union ironworker, was the most physically imposing figure to stride the Statehouse halls in a generation. An ex-bouncer in suspenders loomed from the well of the state Senate, keeping a careful hawk’s eye on his fractious caucus.
In the wake of Republicans sweeping into office across South Jersey, knocking out even longtime Democratic State Senate President Steve Sweeney, one man may be the happiest politician in the state.
So, Democrats, do you get it yet? And, Republicans, how about you? To say that this week’s election sent shock waves through America’s political ponds is an understatement. Yes, Virginia, there is no election Santa Claus. Virginia’s allegedly “blue” and Democratic political house collapsed like a cardboard box in the rain. But the real fears stem from what took place in New Jersey.
Democrats may need an intervention to end their Donald Trump addiction, if Tuesday’s election results didn’t already send that message. Take Gov. Phil Murphy’s campaign. From his campaign flyers — every one I received had Trump as its main image — to the “Stop the Trump Team” signs that lined Route 3 in the days before Election Day, a casual voter may have assumed Murphy’s challenger was the former president, not Jack Ciattarelli.
Allison Steele, Andrew Seidman, and Jonathan Tamari, Philadelphia Inquirer
The stunning defeat of Democratic Senate president Steve Sweeney in Tuesday’s election was not only the toppling of an entrenched and powerful politician. It was also an unexpected blow to the South Jersey Democratic establishment.
In the run-up to the gubernatorial election, Democratic and Republican leaders, consultants and the pundit population agreed that, given the low level of enthusiasm, voter turnout took on added importance as the key to success.
On Chat Box this week, David Cruz takes stock of the election with Sen. Loretta Weinberg and Republican National Committeeman Bill Palatucci. Also discussing the outcome — especially the pre-election polls — are Ashley Koning of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University and John Froonjian of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University.
A slate of liberal stars touched down in New Jersey ahead of the election — former President Barack Obama, current President Joe Biden, and Sen. Bernie Sanders — in moves that could have helped Gov. Phil Murphy keep his job as the Garden State’s governor.
Daysi Calavia-Robertson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
In English, we say the election was “razor-thin.” In Spanish, I can tell you Gov. Phil Murphy won “por un pelo” — by nothing more than a hair. But why? Some say it all boils down to taxes. Others think growing unhappiness with President Biden pushed many of the state’s suburban voters to turn away from Murphy.
The very slim margins of victory in this week’s New Jersey gubernatorial contest hold lessons for both parties. Gov. Phil Murphy did break the 44-year streak of Democrat governors not being re-elected in the garden state, but there remains a significant “enthusiasm gap” between Democrats, who are currently in power at the federal level, and Republicans.
You can tell which bills scare Democratic legislators by looking at the political calendar. If the vote is delayed until after the election, in what’s known as the “lame duck” session, that means they worry voters will revolt.
Karin Price Mueller and Larry Higgs, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Whether voters cast their in-person ballots early or on Election Day, they had to deal with new technology, including electronic poll tablets instead of voter registration books. In some cases, voters cast their ballots on new electronic voting machines, too. And behind the scenes, poll workers faced a host of changes as to how they carried out the election.
Ed Durr shocked the political world not only here in New Jersey, but around the country, with his surprise upset win over entrenched Democratic Senate President Steve Sweeney. He came out of nowhere with very little money to beat perhaps the biggest player in state government next to the Governor. He’s a truck driver, a father and grandfather and a political novice.
New Jersey’s “official” Twitter page – run by the state and funded by your tax dollars – has a long history of skirting the line between promoting the state and political advocacy on behalf of the Murphy Administration. The line appeared to have been unambiguously crossed on Thursday when, after the Associated Press called the gubernatorial contest for Phil Murphy, @NJGov tweeted out the acronym “GOAT.”
Governor Murphy laid into Senator-elect Edward Durr on Friday, Save Jerseyans, telling reporters that the Gloucester County truck driver who vanquished Steve Sweeney is a “dangerous guy.” It doesn’t matter if you think Durr’s comments regarding Islam were stupid and offensive (he’s since apologized). Calling Durr “dangerous” is awfully rich coming from a man who killed 8,000+ nursing home patients but, hey, there you have it.
In an editorial, Democratic 10th Congressional District challenger Imani Oakley lays out how and why she feels Black women are continually spurned by the Democratic party.
He was the longest-serving president of the state Senate, a deal-maker who brokered pension reforms and earned the ire of teachers and public workers, a Democrat whose cozy relationship with a Republican governor helped remake South Jersey and frustrated progressives. He was perhaps the closest ally, a literal childhood friend, to one of the state’s influential power brokers.
The Essex County prosecutor and sheriff told CBS2’s Lisa Rozner they’re leaving no stone unturned in the search for Jashyah, who was last seen on Oct. 14 at Poppie’s Deli on Central Avenue in East Orange.
“We don’t even know if she actually entered the park or not. We know she used to come here once in a while, and the deli that she went to was only about three blocks away from here,” Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura said.
The sheriff says another reason they searched the body of water is because people have been found there in the past.
Saturday’s search yielded no sign of Jashyah or any of her belongings.
SEARCH FOR JASHYAH: Some clearer photos of 14 y/o Jashyah Moore given to me by her mother. Pls note she no longer has a nose ring. Last seen wearing a black jacket, boots + khakis. More in our piece at 11p @CBSNewYorkpic.twitter.com/SpCdOdE5lr
Since Friday, the reward for information has increased from $10,000 to $15,000 thanks to an anonymous donation.
The prosecutor says they’re looking into recent tips but need more.
“Please, you know, no matter how small the information may appear, how insignificant, it may have large ramifications,” acting Essex County prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens said.
Jashyah’s mom, Jamie Moore, last saw her daughter after she picked up a few items from the store in their neighborhood. She lost her mother’s card and went back to retrace her steps.
Authorities say there is footage of an older man buying items for her at the deli, but he has been identified and has been helpful.
WATCH: Mother Of Missing Jashyah Moore Speaks Out
Moore says Jashyah loves to stay home and play video games or cook.
“If you see Jashyah, please call the police. I really in my heart don’t believe Jashyah is able to just come to me because she would never stay away from her family like this … I’m keeping all my faith in God that my baby is going to return to me unharmed,” Moore said.
Jashyah is 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs around 135 pounds. She was last seen wearing khakis, black boots and a black jacket.
Moore says she’s telling Jashyah’s 3-year-old brother, her best friend, Jashyah will be back.
Jashyah’s family says they did request an AMBER alert to be issued earlier, but authorities said the case doesn’t meet the criteria to issue one.
The FBI, New Jersey State Police and East Orange Police Department are working together to find Jashyah. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 877-847-7432 or 973-266-5041. Tips can be made anonymously.
NEW JERSEY — Below you will find the most up-to-date information on coronavirus news impacting New Jersey. You can find additional resources and coverage on our coronavirus page.
U.S. appeals court halts Biden vaccine mandate for companies
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay of the requirement by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration that those workers be vaccinated by Jan. 4 or face mask requirements and weekly tests.
US gives final clearance to COVID vaccine for kids 5 to 11
U.S. health officials on Tuesday, 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 Friday, 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
FDA says Pfizer COVID vaccine looks effective for young kids
Federal health regulators said late Friday, 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 Monday, 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.
IRS sending October installment of child tax credit after delay in September
Families across the country are starting to receive their October child tax credit. The IRS says the program’s fourth monthly payment is already hitting Americans’ bank accounts after a technical issue last month caused delays for some recipients.
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.
Need to be vaccinated by Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas? Here are the deadlines
People who want to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas are running out of time. Two of the three vaccines available in the U.S. require two doses spread weeks apart and a waiting period once the shots have been administered.
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.
U.S. hits 700,000 COVID deaths just as cases begin to fall
The United States reached its latest heartbreaking pandemic milestone Friday, Oct. 1, eclipsing 700,000 deaths from COVID-19 just as the surge from the delta variant is starting to slow down and give overwhelmed hospitals some relief.
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.
Is it safe to trick-or-treat this Halloween? CDC weighs in
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on Face the Nation that kids can trick-or-treat safely this year, adding, “If you’re able to be outdoors, absolutely.”
CDC director overrules panel, backs booster for all adults in high-risk jobs
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.
U.S. panel backs Pfizer COVID-19 boosters only for 65 and over, high-risk
An influential federal advisory panel overwhelmingly rejected a plan to give Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to most Americans, but it endorsed the extra shots for those who are 65 or older or run a high risk of severe disease.
COVID outbreaks in NJ schools
As of Wednesday, Sept. 15, there were six outbreaks in New Jersey schools, according to Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli. An outbreak is defined as at least three cases that are epidemiologically connected and not from the same household.
The cases are a mix of students and staff, Persichilli said. More information will be released on the state Health Department website in the coming days.
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.
NJ COVID hospitalizations top 1,000 for the first time since May: Gov. Murphy
For the first time since May, more than 1,000 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in New Jersey on Wednesday, Aug. 25, Gov. Phil Murphy said. There were 1,012 people hospitalized with COVID, 92 of whom were on ventilators, according to state Health Department data. The last time the state had more than 1,000 COVID hospitalizations was over three months ago on May 11, Murphy said.
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.
August child tax credit payments issued: Here’s why yours might be delayed
The second installment of expanded child tax credits was issued on Aug. 13 to millions of eligible families, but some payments will likely be delayed due to a technical glitch, the U.S. Department of Treasury said.
Schumer calls for federal crackdown on fake vaccine cards
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.
NJ county opens COVID booster shot appointments
Health care officials in a northern New Jersey county began offering COVID-19 booster shots to qualified residents on Aug. 14. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. said appointments for a third shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine were open at vaccination centers at Kmart in West Orange and Essex County College in Newark.
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 over the age of 12. 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
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?
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.
U.S. averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections a day as delta surges
The United States is now averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections a day, returning to a milestone last seen during the winter surge in yet another bleak reminder of how quickly the delta variant has spread through the country. The U.S. was averaging about 11,000 cases a day in late June. Now the number is 107,143.
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.
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.
‘You have lost your minds’: Murphy lashes out at anti-vax protesters
Warning of more delta mutations, Fauci urges vaccinations
The White House COVID-19 response team said the delta variant continues to surge across the country. During a briefing on Aug. 5, Dr. Anthony Fauci called on Americans to take precautions to stop the virus from mutating. “The ultimate end game of all this is vaccination,” he said.
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
In a memo, Walmart announced that associates who work in multiple facilities, and associates of its campus office, will need 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
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.
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
Doctors warn about slightly different symptoms with delta variant of COVID
As concern grows regarding the COVID-19 delta variant, health leaders are warning about somewhat different symptoms that come with it.
Most unvaccinated Americans unlikely to get COVID-19 shots, new AP poll finds
A new poll shows that most Americans who haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19 say they are unlikely to get the shots. About 16% say they probably will get the vaccine.
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.
Gov. Murphy holds off on reinstating mask mandate
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says he’s not ready to reinstitute mask requirements, now or when schools are back in session in September. Murphy says he “is comfortable where we are” on mask mandates but is also closely monitoring developments.
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 a move expected to lift millions of families above the poverty baseline for the remainder of 2021. Should they become permanent?
Biden grapples with ‘pandemic of the unvaccinated’
President Joe Biden is confronting the worrying reality of rising cases and deaths — and the limitations of his ability to combat the persistent vaccine hesitance responsible for the summer backslide.
Child tax credit: When to expect payments, how it may impact tax returns
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 new study reveals hospitalized coronavirus patients who take statins are 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 it was premature to rule out a potential link between the COVID-19 pandemic and a laboratory leak, and he said he is asking China to be more transparent as scientists search for the origins of the coronavirus.
Wildfire smoke linked to increased COVID-19 risk, study says
A new study suggests that exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.
What can I do if I didn’t get my child tax credit payment?
The official disbursement date for the first child tax credit payments from the Internal Revenue Service was July 15, but parents may not see the cash right away.
Delta now dominant COVID variant in New Jersey
The highly transmissible delta variant is now the dominant strain in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said on July 12. The governor urged New Jersey residents to get vaccinated against COVID if they haven’t already done so.
Global COVID-19 deaths hit 4 million amid rush to vaccinate
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.
Free health insurance included in stimulus benefits for unemployment recipients
Along with $1,400 stimulus checks and monthly child tax credit payments, the American Rescue Plan has another important benefit available to people who qualified for unemployment assistance this year: free health care.
Will one dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine protect me?
Yes, but not nearly as much as if you had both doses. Experts recommend getting fully vaccinated, especially with the emergence of worrisome coronavirus mutations such as the delta variant first identified in India.
Workers enjoy the upper hand as companies scramble to hire
With the economy growing rapidly as it reopens from the pandemic, many employers are increasingly desperate to hire. Yet evidence suggests that as a group, the unemployed aren’t feeling the same urgency to take jobs.
As of Saturday, there have been 1,048,589 total positive PCR tests in the state since March 2020, and there have been 25,264 lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths, according to the state Health Department.
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