This afternoon, Department of Health announced an additional 441 positive COVID-19 cases, the most positive tests that state has announced in a single day in nearly eight weeks. An additional 2 deaths were announced, increasing the statewide total to 23,813. The rate of transmission is 1.16. There have been 10,190,399 COVID-19 vaccination doses administered to NJ residents, with 4,988,085 fully vaccinated. Vaccinations have slowed in the past few months, about 4 million residents remain unvaccinated.
On Monday, Brian Bridges, from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, also spoke of how a competitive grant process called the Opportunity Meets Innovation Challenge has been established. $30 million of additional federal support will be granted to more than 30 postsecondary institutions across the state. An additional $1 million will be given to fund and support the Hunger Free Campus Act. 19 institutions will receive Hunger Free Campus designation and another 11 will receive grant funding to address food insecurity problems among students.
DOH Commissioner Judy Persichilli also spoke about the launch of NJ Docket, a free app made to expand consumer access to immunization records. Individuals vaccinated in state & have an email or phone number on file with NJIIS can access their COVID-19 vaccination record. She once again highlighted the importance of vaccination, praising New Jersey's state of progress as a reflection of the success and efficacy of vaccines. NJ has shown a dramatic decline of cases and hospitalizations due to increased vaccinations. More information can be found here.
The Delta Variant was announced as the most common variant in the US. It has also overtaken the Alpha Variant in being the most dominant variant in NJ.
Governor Murphy also spoke about how NJ is awaiting on the federal government for any additional information about booster vaccine doses. The FDA, CDC, and other such organization are currently conducting studies, and will also be meeting with Pfizer to discuss booster vaccines later today. Residents are reminded to try staying home, even if they are sick with illnesses other than COVID-19, in order to reduce the spreads of other diseases.
The Governor will hold his next press briefing on Monday July 19th.
