Starting today, May 28th, face masks and social distancing are no longer required in most indoor public spaces. Face masks are still required for all individuals in public transportation, health care facilities, correctional facilities, and homeless shelters, with certain exceptions, and may be required in child care centers, K-12 schools, and other areas of concern, with certain exceptions. Businesses may continue to require face masks for employees, customers, and guests. On June 4th, at indoor worksites closed to the public, employers may allow employees who can verify they are vaccinated to not wear a face mask and social distance.

As of today, May 28th, businesses are now allowed to open at full capacity. Social distancing is not required, but businesses are encouraged to follow CDC safety guidelines and social distancing. In addition, dance floors at bars, restaurants, and nightclubs may reopen. 

Additional reopening steps on June 4th include:

• Indoor gathering and capacity limits will be lifted. 
• Removing the indoor gathering limit for political gatherings, weddings, funerals, memorial services, performances, and other catered and commercial events, which is currently at 250 people.
• Removing 30 percent capacity limitation for indoor large venues with a fixed-seating capacity of over 1,000. 

All six megasites are open for walk-in vaccinations - no appointments needed - from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every day unless otherwise noted. Many will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday, so be sure to check the full schedule.

Meanwhile, appointments are available across New Jersey for everyone 12+ who live, work, or study in New Jersey. 

• Use New Jersey’s Vaccine Appointment Finder to schedule an appointment near you.
• The Vaccine Call Center is available at 855-568-0545 from 8 am to 8 pm in more than 240 different languages to answer questions about the vaccine and help individuals get vaccinated.
• If you are homebound, you can request an in-home vaccination.
• If you are 65 or older, you can call a special senior hotline at 856-249-7007 from 8 am to 8 pm for vaccination scheduling support.

Get Covered New Jersey is the State’s official health insurance marketplace that provides access to the resources and financial help you need to find the right coverage. Now, new state and federal financial assistance will help dramatically lower health insurance costs for many New Jerseyans. If you are already enrolled, you will likely be able to claim additional savings. If you need coverage, you can explore your options and enroll now. If you received unemployment compensation in 2021, you may be eligible for nearly free coverage. Enrollment is open through the end of the year but enroll by Monday, May 31st for coverage effective June 1st.

The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase II lottery application period remains open to help New Jerseyans pay their rent arrears or future rent. The program devotes approximately $353 million to rental assistance for low- and moderate-income households that have been financially impacted by the pandemic, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

In addition to the tenants themselves, landlords or advocates may apply on behalf of tenants, with the tenant’s permission.

Read the most recent version of Vax Matters. Each week, the NJ Department of Health updates its vaccination newsletter. Last week’s newsletter highlighted new pop-up vaccination sites across New Jersey, free State Park access for fully vaccinated residents, and the work of the COVID Community Corps to drive vaccinations.