Governor Phil Murphy announced an additional 1,830 new positive COVID-19 cases in NJ, increasing the statewide total to 994,463. An additional 20 deaths were announced, increasing the statewide total to 24,534. The rate of transmission is 1.05. 5,811,637 New Jerseyeans are now fully vaccinated.
FEMA recently granted the State's request for a major disaster declaration to include Warren, totaling 12 counties now. Homeowners can apply through FEMA for direct assistance and FEMA centers have been established across the state for in-person inquiries. To find a location near you and site hours, visit fema.gov and click "search your location" on the homepage.
This week Governor Murphy signed an Executive Order for child care settings. All workers must be fully vaccinated by November 1st or face regular, weekly testing. This deadline means that individuals will need to acquire their second dose by October 17th. Masking policies will reflect those in place in schools; all individuals two years and older, including visitors must wear face masks beginning Friday, September 24th.
On Wednesday the Governor provided an update on in-school COVID-19 outbreaks. There have been 22 school districts that have reported cases of in-school transmission, 23 outbreaks reported, 82 student cases reported, and 20 staff cases reported. Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, the Acting Commissioner of the Department of Education, provided an update on full-time in-person school in NJ this fall. Next week, local educational agencies can begin applying for the first installment to the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. NJ received over $2.76 billion of these funds. $46 million has been earmarked to support mental health of students and staff. The DOE has previously released guidance to assist school districts in creating emergency virtual instruction provisions. The Acting Commissioner explained that Hurricane Ida is an example of a need for this emergency provision because many school districts are unable to provide in-person learning due to flooding. 7 schools in NJ are currently all virtual or remote due to COVID-19.
