Category: Uncategorized

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.

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.

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

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

Walensky disagreed and put that recommendation back in, noting that such a move aligns with an FDA booster authorization decision earlier this week. 

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.

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.

EU removes US from safe travel list

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

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

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

Mask debate moves from school boards to courtrooms

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

Supreme Court allows evictions to resume during pandemic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is an earache a new COVID-19 symptom?

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

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

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

COVID claims more young victims as deaths climb yet again

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

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

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

Fake COVID vaccine cards worry college officials

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

COVID vaccines would be required for military under new plan

Members of the U.S. military would be required to have the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Sept. 15, under a plan announced by the Pentagon on Aug. 9 and endorsed by President Joe Biden.

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

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

Will NJ reinstate a travel advisory?

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

Will NJ mandate masks indoors?

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

COVID transmission levels call for indoor masking under CDC guidelines

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

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

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

COVID breakthrough cases: Is one vaccine better than others?

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

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

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

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.

Gov. Murphy mandates masks in schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘You have lost your minds’: Murphy lashes out at anti-vax protesters

Gov. Phil Murphy ran out of patience for protesters against the COVID-19 vaccine at a bill signing in Union City on Aug. 4.

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.

Moderna says vaccine 93% effective after 6 months

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

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

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

What is the delta plus variant of COVID?

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

Vaccine mandate for state colleges?

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

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

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

Walmart requiring COVID vaccination, masks for many employees

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

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

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

New delta variant research makes strong case for vaccination

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

CDC data shows delta variant spreads as easily as chickenpox

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

Pfizer: COVID vaccine protective for at least 6 months

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

Disney World requires masks indoors regardless of vaccination status

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

NJ mask guidance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Payments for the highly anticipated expanded child tax credits were being sent to families in the tri-state area, and the rest of the nation, for the first time in mid-July. While the additional money may be very helpful for some families across the economic spectrum, the overall tax credit situation is complicated.

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

The global death toll from COVID-19 eclipsed 4 million in July as the crisis increasingly becomes a race between the vaccine and the highly contagious delta variant.

99 percent of U.S. COVID deaths are unvaccinated people: Fauci

America’s top infectious disease expert says about 99.2% of recent COVID-19 deaths in the United States involved unvaccinated people. And Dr. Anthony Fauci says “it’s really sad and tragic that most all of these are avoidable and preventable.”

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.

Vaccine freebies

New York, New Jersey and several companies nationwide are offering incentives for those who get vaccinated, including free food and drinks.

Latest official indicators

As of Wednesday, there have been 1,021,272 total positive PCR tests in the state since March 2020, and there have been 24,850 lab-confirmed coronavirus deaths, according to the state Health Department.

COVID-19 timeline: How novel coronavirus spread

Tips to protect yourself and others amid coronavirus outbreaks

A North Arlington man has been arrested and charged with sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and luring a minor, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Belleville Police Chief Mark Minichini said jointly.

Bradley O’Dell, 57, was taken into custody Friday, Oct. 8, without incident.

The victim, a 13-year-old Belleville resident, reported encountering the defendant on an online dating app. After exchanging messages with the child online, the defendant arranged for the juvenile victim to meet him in person at which point, the defendant allegedly sexually assaulted the victim. It is also alleged the sexual assaults occurred on three separate occasions over the course of September — reportedly in Belleville, Lyndhurst and Nutley.

O’Dell was charged following an investigation by the Belleville Police Department.

“This case highlights how important it is for parents to play an active role in their children’s online behavior and to monitor usage of social media,” Stephens said.

The ECPO asks anyone who may have additional information on this case contact the Special Victims Unit at (973) 753-1130.

 

New Jersey will spend more than $700 million in federal coronavirus pandemic funds to try to reduce the cost of child care in the state, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday.

The money will be used to help parents pay for child care, give bonuses to child care workers and dole out grants to child care centers, he said. The money is coming from the American Rescue Plan.

“We know that child care is one of the key challenges facing families — especially single moms,” Murphy said during his regular COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday.

“Through these investments, we are committing New Jersey to providing the support necessary to ensure that this challenge does not become an obstacle,” he said. “High-quality child care is good for both our kids and their parents.”

Eligible families could have the amount they may owe for fees or the difference between what the state pays and the provider charges covered up to $300 for full-time care, or $150 for part-time care and co-payments in the state’s child care subsidy could be waived.

Also, $1,000 bonuses will be provided beginning this winter to help providers recruit new child care employees and retain current child care staff. Licensed child care centers grant availability will range from $20,000 to $80,000 in the first round, depending on the number of children they serve, according to the administration.

More information is available at www.childcarenj.gov.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Late last month, Murphy announced the state is offering $500 return-to-work bonuses for unemployed residents in their first paycheck after hiring and employers are eligible for up to $10,000 in wage subsidies to hire and train new workers. Businesses must have 100 or fewer employees and the positions they’re looking to fill need to pay at least $15 an hour to be eligible for the subsidies, he said. His administration is calling it the Return and Earn Program.

New Jersey’s employment rate was 7.2% as of August, down from 7.8% at the start of the year.

The money will come from federal aid and the state is capping the program at $10 million, Murphy said, adding at the time if there’s high demand for it he’ll consider spending more to fund it.

The up to $10,000 subsidies for businesses are meant to cover the cost for a new worker for up to six months on the job, Murphy said.

According to the administration, Return & Earn will reimburse employers for half of the wages paid for regular hours worked. The total reimbursement will be capped at $10,000 per new employee, and at $40,000 per employer. The reimbursement will be valid whether the training occurs in-person at the job site or virtually.

Additional information on that program is at: https://nj.gov/labor/returnandearn.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.

Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “If you want something built right the first time, get union hands to do it.” – Governor Murphy at the Building Trades convention

TOP STORY: Murphy Warmly Received by Building Trades, as Pallone Doubles Down on Biden Bills

AROUND THE WEB:

NJ leaders recall times they faced racial profiling by law enforcement

Ashley Balcerzak, Stacey Barchenger, Anne-Marie Caruso, Danielle Parhizkaran and Tariq Zehawi, NorthJersey.com

• A Black Essex County dentist driving a luxury car said he was stopped more than 100 times by police in the 1990’s. He never received a ticket. A Black state assemblywoman, approached by a trooper at a Garden State Parkway rest stop, felt targeted and uncomfortable when the trooper accused her of littering, though there was no trash around her car. That woman went on to become New Jersey’s first Black lieutenant governor.

Paterson school lockdown: ‘Just another day in the ‘hood,’ student says

Ed Rumley and Joe Malinconico, Paterson Press

• Authorities imposed a lockdown at John F. Kennedy High School on Wednesday afternoon after getting reports that a student involved in a fight earlier in the day would be returning with a gun, officials said. Paterson Public Safety Director Jerry Speziale said the student in question never made it back to the school and that the crisis ended without gunfire or injury. As of 3:30 p.m., police said no arrests had been made, nor any weapon found.

Van Drew once called Biden the ‘duly elected’ president. Not any more.

Jonathan D. Salant, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

• Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who in January declared Joe Biden was the “duly-elected 46th president of the United States” now won’t acknowledge that the president legitimately won last November’s election. Asked that very question by CNN, Van Drew said in an article published Wednesday: “I am not going to make that determination. But what I do think is that we need to make sure that our election system works right.”

State board expands access to abortion in N.J. through regulation changes

Dana DiFilippo, NJ Monitor

• The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners unanimously agreed Wednesday to repeal several restrictions on abortion, effectively expanding access by allowing medical providers other than physicians to terminate pregnancies.

Dunellen Fire Department suffers ‘significant loss’ in firehouse blaze

Suzanne Russell, MyCentralJersey.com

• Fire companies from neighboring towns will cover the borough for the next several weeks after the Dunellen Fire Department suffered what the mayor called “significant loss” in a blaze at its headquarters on Tuesday.

NJ governor’s race 2021: Murphy, Ciattarelli sharpen differences in final debate

John Reitmeyer, NJ Spotlight

• The sharp contrasts between New Jersey’s two leading gubernatorial candidates on top concerns like taxes, school funding and COVID-19 came into clear view Tuesday night during the contest’s second and final debate. Gov. Phil Murphy, a first-term incumbent Democrat, has led the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic since the first cases appeared in New Jersey early last year, upsetting the state economy and leading to the deaths of thousands of residents.

Activists demand lawmakers act to curb police brutality on ‘Long March for Justice’

Dana DiFilippo, NJ Monitor

• Cecille Hepburn marched for her grandson, Kashad Ashford, who police gunned down in 2014 after a car chase. Steven Young marched for change, a year after he quit Atlantic City’s civilian review board, which is tasked with police oversight, in protest over its powerlessness.

Phil Murphy and Jack Ciattarelli in their last debate — here’s what I saw | Charlie Stile

Charles Stile, NorthJersey.com

• The candidates in New Jersey’s race for governor met Tuesday night for their final debate at Rowan University in Glassboro. Here are some of my observations about the sparring match we saw between Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, and his Republican challenger, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli.

Police gunfire killed their dreams. The Jersey Four built new ones, 23 years later

Jessie Gomez, NorthJersey.com

• They met before the wounds, before the gunshots and before their dreams of becoming professional basketball players died on the New Jersey Turnpike more than 20 years ago. In 1998, Rayshawn Brown, Jarmaine Grant, Keshon Moore and Danny Reyes were in their early 20s, at their physical peak and full of ambition. They dreamt of going to a four-year college and playing professional basketball. A trip to North Carolina Central would be the first step in achieving their dreams.

Voting in 2021 will be very different from years past. Here are 6 big changes

Katie Sobko, NorthJersey.com

• From digital voter books to polls open days in advance, voters in New Jersey will have a much different experience this fall. On the ballot this year, the state’s 6.5 million registered voters will find the gubernatorial race and all 120 seats in the state Legislature, and two statewide referendums on gambling, in addition to the various local races.

The dozen best lines of the (more cordial) debate

Tom Bergeron, roi-nj.com

• We don’t dip our toes into political reporting all that often. Usually, it only pertains to business issues — and how elected officials intend to address them. But, since Gov. Phil Murphy and Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli rarely brought up business issues — for the second straight debate — we’ve decided to highlight the best lines of the hourlong event from Rowan University.

(Visited 356,151 times, 27 visits today)

A rift that has always existed has grown even deeper following the deaths of George Floyd and Tamir Rice at the hands of police officers. There is mistrust by many in the African American community after so many young Black men were killed with no way to defend themselves.

These rifts can last a lifetime, causing residual problems. Who do you call when you fear for your life if you cannot call the police? How do we heal these rifts and build relationships on both sides?

The Police Athletic League (PAL) for years has done just that. PAL organizes events like football or basketball pickup games, picnics and Halloween parties. These are not only fun, they have the intended side effect of forming bonds between the police and young people. Then, when the officers see the youth in a real-life situation, that person is someone they already know and respect.

Currently, however, many towns do not have a PAL program.

We saw the 2012 incident where Marcus Jeter was beaten by Bloomfield officers when, in fact, a dash-cam video shows he was not resisting arrest. We saw 12-year-old Rice gunned down in the street in Cleveland when he was carrying a water gun. If there had been robust PAL programs in these places, perhaps Rice or Jeter would have been someone the police had already met under better circumstances.

I met with the Essex County freeholders, now commissioners, over a year ago to discuss expanding and putting more funding behind the Police Athletic League and have a PAL representative in every county municipality.

Let’s call on our county commissioners to stop delaying and expand PAL. Our community is worth that effort.

Kevin Lindahl, Bloomfield

Note: The writer is vice president of the Bloomfield tenants organization.

Ciattarelli will halt our downward spiral

The State of New Jersey is in a downward spiral. New Jerseyans suffer from high taxes. Many leave to resettle in states with more tax-friendly policies, placing a greater tax burden on those who stay. It dampens business investment in our state, leaving fewer jobs available.

So far, Gov. Phil Murphy, who is running for reelection, has shown little or no interest in departing from the status quo; little or no interest in lowering taxes, or decreasing infrastructure repair costs, getting our schools back to basics, or standing up to unions, special interests and cronyism.

This November, we can send someone to Trenton who can provide a course change and get things done. That person is Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli. He knows knows how to run a business and knows from personal experience that it takes a hands-on manager for a business or state to succeed.

Murphy knows all about back-slapping and smooth talking from his time on Wall Street, but it’s clear he doesn’t know how to run a state. He’s great at photo-ops, but has he changed things for the better? Does he have the insight, the policies or the drive to turn things around in New Jersey?

Ciatarelli, by contrast, is a doer, not a talker. He’ll bring a fresh perspective and insight into fixing our state.

We gave Murphy a chance to turn things around. Are you better off? We have an alternative to provide that change this year, and his name is Jack Ciattarelli.

Daniel A. Bazikian, Weehawken

Bitcoin-infused economy a bad bet for N.J.

Kevin Ryan, an Essex County businessperson, is running for an Assembly seat in the 27th Legislative District as a Republican. This area encompasses 61 municipalities in Essex and Morris counties. In general, this is an above-average income area.

Ryan’s profile and political stance appear to be rather cryptic. Now, to make things even more “cryptic,” he is advocating for the State of New Jersey to “mine” Bitcoin cryptocurrency — one of the the wacky, digital, unregulated forms of “electronic money” that is all the rage.

Ryan believes that New Jersey can better manage its outstanding debt by infusing some $500 million a year of Bitcoin value onto the state’s balance sheet. His observation that Third World countries are doing this is an unreliable defense of such a wacky policy.

I believe that if Ryan’s proposal is enacted, it will open up New Jersey to even further questions and losses of confidence in its fiscal stewardship. And, of course, I believe Ryan must lose big on Election Day, Nov. 2.

Arthur J. Grisi, Toms River

Time is now for voting rights law

Our government should be accountable to the people rather than wealthy political party donors or special interests. But, obstructionists in the U.S. Senate have been holding hostage an historic proposal called the “Freedom to Vote Act” that could save American democracy.

This voting-rights legislation would set Election Day as a national holiday, require two weeks of early voting, and allow any registered voter to request an absentee ballot. It would attempt to ban partisan gerrymandering and stop dark money from influencing our political system.

The Senate has blocked through the filibuster four bills this year alone that would fix our our democracy, and now they’re heading into recess while we run out of time to pass this smart bill that represents a compromise among Senate Democrats. I urge our senators to do everything in their power to end use of the filibuster this way, and pass the “Freedom to Vote Act.”

Yvette Mintzer, Princeton

It’s not easy being green, and in orbit

I watched with confusing interest as Vice President Kamala Harris addressed some apparent “school children” — alleged by some to be child actors — in a recent YouTube video posted by NASA for World Space Week.

Instead of dealing with the many major issues affecting the country, the vice president is seen talking to them about space exploration. “You’re gonna literally see the craters on the moon with your own eyes,” she tells them before a trip to an observatory, possibly implying that they will all be able to go into space.

Obviously, Harris has never seen a space launch. It takes tons of fuel that is burned to lift a capsule into space. So, as these “future astronauts” view the moon with their own eyes, they should also look back at the carbon footprint they just left behind on Earth.

William P. Koeller, Morris Plains

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com’s newsletters.

A 57-year-old man was arrested last week after authorities accused him of sexually assaulting a young teenager he met online, officials said.

Bradley O’Dell, of North Arlington, was charged on Oct. 8 with sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and luring a minor, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Belleville Police Department.

The victim, a 13-year-old, said O’Dell met the minor on an online dating app and after exchanging messages, he arranged for the teen to meet him in person, the office said.

The teen was sexually assaulted three times over the course of last month after they met in Belleville, Lyndhurst and Nutley, police alleged.

O’Dell was charged following an investigation by the Belleville Police Department, officials said.

“This case highlights how important it is for parents to play an active role in their children’s online behavior and to monitor usage of social media,” Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II said in a statement.

The office asked anyone with more information about the case to contact the special victims unit at 973-753-1130.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.

The number of in-school COVID-19 outbreaks across New Jersey climbed to 96 on Wednesday, while the total number of cases among students, teachers and staff increased to 521, according to updated numbers from the state.

The outbreaks increased by 27 over the last week and the cumulative cases increased by 63%. The new cases include 17 staff and 125 students.

A total of 62 districts have reported outbreaks. Only two counties — Burlington and Warren — have not reported a school with an outbreak. Middlesex County reported its first outbreak. Cape May, Mercer, Passaic and Salem had no new outbreaks in the past week.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

The in-school outbreaks and cases as of Wednesday include:

• Atlantic County: 12 outbreaks involving a total of 43 cases
• Bergen County: 7 outbreaks involving 36 cases
• Camden County: 11 outbreaks involving 42 cases
• Cumberland County: 3 outbreaks involving 17 cases
• Cape May County: 4 outbreaks involving 15 cases (no new outbreaks)
• Essex County: 5 outbreaks involving 20 cases
• Gloucester County: 4 outbreaks involving 25 cases
• Hudson County: 3 outbreaks involving 12 cases
• Hunterdon County: 3 outbreak involving 33 cases
• Mercer County: 9 outbreaks involving a total of 39 cases (no new outbreaks)
• Middlesex County: 1 outbreak involving 6 cases
• Monmouth County: 10 outbreaks involving a total of 47 cases
• Morris County: 5 outbreaks involving 25 cases
• Ocean County: 4 outbreaks involving 17 cases
• Passaic County: 2 outbreaks involving 62 cases ( no new outbreaks)
• Salem County: 1 outbreak involving 3 cases (no new outbreaks)
• Somerset County: 3 outbreaks involving 26 cases
• Sussex County: 6 outbreaks involving a total of 24 cases
• Union County: 3 outbreak involving 29 cases

The figures are cumulative totals since the start of the school year with most of the cases having already been resolved.

Last week, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday the state will require all schools in the state to report all COVID-19 testing and vaccination data among students and staff members to the state health department on a weekly basis regardless of where infections occurred.

On Monday, anyone who works at any school — public or private — in the state will be required to be vaccinated or be tested for the coronavirus at least once a week.

In the 2020-21 school year, New Jersey had 281 school outbreaks involving 1,263 positive tests among students, teachers and school staff. Many districts spent a large part of the year either fully remote or in a hybrid setting.

The definition of a “school outbreak” has changed this year. The state previously defined a school outbreak as cases where two or more students, teachers or school staff caught the virus at school. This year, the definition was changed to three or more students to align with how the federal Centers for Disease Control counts school outbreaks, state officials said.

The outbreak numbers include only cases where contact tracers believe people caught the virus at school. They do not include students, teachers and school staff who tested positive, but are believed to have contracted the virus at home or during other activities outside school.

Everyone 12 and older is eligible for a free vaccine. Health experts have repeatedly said the vaccines are safe and effective at significantly reducing the chance of hospitalization and death. Children from ages 5 to 11 are expected to be eligible later this year.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Matt Arco contributed to this report.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.

Kudos to SaveJersey.com for publishing all the screenshots from the recent Equality Ball because the Essex County Education Association deleted them from their social media.

They showed Gov. Phil Murphy and other officials like Rep. Frank Pallone, acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck and damn near everyone else at this indoor event going maskless.

This event took place at Asbury Lanes in a county with the kind of high rate of COVID-19 that the CDC strongly urges should be met with mask-wearing. The governor, who always brags about “following the science” certainly didn’t follow it here. Nor did anyone else it seems from the pics.

Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican challenger for governor, did a yeoman’s job of bringing it up in Tuesday’s debate only to have Murphy arrogantly dismiss the entire thing. Murphy’s you-don’t-wear-masks-on-stage defense was nonsense. Murphy was complicit in taking part in a long night at a crowded indoor event that almost entirely shunned mask-wearing. Photo-ops were posed for, arms around shoulders, close contact, no masks. See for yourself here.

Now I’m not writing this from the point of one of those who dismiss science and falsely claim masks do nothing to slow the spread. Dozens of peer-reviewed studies confirm they do in fact work and it’s considered settled science.

No, I’m writing this from the point of how dare Murphy be such a hypocrite? He has mandated all school teachers and school students wear masks. He’s even mandated children as young as 2 wear masks in daycare.

Yet he and his cronies wouldn’t wear them? This emperor not only wears no mask but wears no clothes.

The event will pride itself on pointing out that those who attended needed to show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test. As if this doesn’t make Murphy a hypocrite.

Teachers are required to be vaccinated or be tested at least weekly. And guess what? They STILL are required to wear masks.

Sorry Murphy, there’s no fast-talking your way out of this. If you didn’t do anything wrong and those in your universe agree, then why did the Union suddenly delete those pictures? You’re a hollow leader who showed the ultimate hypocrisy by your actions.

Just like last year after the tragic killing of George Floyd when, at the same time your executive orders told common New Jerseyans they were not allowed to gather in large crowds, even outdoors, you went ahead and joined in two Black Lives Matter demonstrations violating your own social distancing rules.

You’re a joke. You’re a hypocrite. You’re a bad leader.

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Jeff Deminski. Any opinions expressed are Jeff Deminski’s own.

NJ towns and their nicknames

Fact Sheet

How to Apply for Continued Rental Assistance from FEMA

FEMA may provide financial assistance to residents of Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren counties who need temporary housing because they are displaced from their primary residence as a result of rains and flooding from remnants of Hurricane Ida. If you received an initial grant of FEMA rental assistance, FEMA may provide Continued Temporary Housing Assistance to eligible applicants based on need and generally only when adequate, alternate housing is not available, or you cannot return to your primary residence. FEMA mails a reminder and an application to households after they receive their initial rental assistance grant. If you did not receive the reminder and application, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) to request the application. It is important that FEMA have your current contact information. Renters must call the FEMA Helpline to determine eligibility. The application must be accompanied by these supporting documents: Pre-disaster and current household income status Copies of pre-disaster lease, utility bills, renter’s insurance Copy of current lease or rental agreement signed by you and the landlord Rent receipts, canceled checks or money orders showing the rental assistance was used to pay for housing expenses. The continued temporary housing need must be documented, and the applicant must continue to work toward obtaining permanent housing to remain eligible for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance. You can submit these documents to FEMA the following ways: Create an account at DisasterAssistance.gov (Click “Check Status” on the Home Page and follow the instructions) Upload via the FEMA App for smartphones Mail to FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055 Fax to 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA

FEMA’s mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. Follow FEMA online, on Twitter @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account. Also, follow FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell’s activities @FEMA_Deanne

(Visited 36 times, 36 visits today)