Due to increasing COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and new data suggesting that the COVID-19 Delta variant is more transmissible among vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, New Jersey is now strongly recommending that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals wear face masks in indoor settings when:

• The space is crowded
• There is close contact with others who may not be fully vaccinated
• The vaccine status of other individuals is unknown
• Individuals that are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease are present

Do you need any help paying for your rent? New Jersey residents can still apply for Phase II of the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. 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.

Docket is a new app from the NJ Department of Health that makes it easier for you and your family to securely access your COVID-19 vaccination record.

If you don't have your vaccination card with you or have lost it, you can easily access your record through the app to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as needed.

The Docket app is now available in the App store or on Google Play. 

Remember your second shot! If you received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you won’t be fully immunized until two weeks after your second vaccine dose. It is not known how effective just one dose of the vaccine would be long-term or how long you would be protected against COVID-19 with just one dose of the vaccine.

You should get your second dose as close to the recommended date as possible (Pfizer: 21 days; Moderna: 28 days) but there is no maximum amount of time between the first and second doses for either vaccine.

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. 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

Each week, the NJ Department of Health is sharing information about COVID-19 vaccination in New Jersey in the “Vax Matters” newsletter. A PDF copy of the latest version is available through the link below. Last week’s issue highlighted the work of county vaccination ambassadors and their efforts to expand vaccine access in counties and towns that have yet to reach vaccination goals.

The NJ Department of Human Services has released a video featuring the Governor, Acting Commissioner Sarah Adelman, Commissioner Christine Beyer, and other state leaders and individuals with disabilities and their families celebrating Disability Pride Month as our country marks the 31st Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.