New Jersey's utility shutoff moratorium ended on March 15th, but some residential customers with overdue utility bills can receive an extension to June 15th.

A new law requires local authorities, municipal or public utilities, and rural electric cooperatives to continue providing electric, gas, sewer, or water service to residential customers who have submitted an application for utility assistance prior to June 15th, 2022 but have not yet received a decision on their application.

To receive the extension, you need to apply for assistance. One easy way to apply is by visiting the DCAid Service Portal hosted by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

A second Pfizer or Moderna booster dose has been approved for people aged 50+, people aged 12+ who are immunocompromised, and people aged 18+ who have only received the J&J vaccine.

This week, the CDC updated recommendations for booster shots to allow certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received a previous booster dose at least 4 months ago to be eligible for another Pfizer or Moderna booster dose.

• Individuals aged 50 and older who received a previous booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna at least four months ago are eligible for an additional booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna.
• Individuals aged 12 and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised who received a previous booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna at least four months ago are eligible for a second booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna.
• Individuals aged 18 and older who received a primary dose and a previous booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least four months ago are eligible for an additional booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna.

Schedule your booster today at covid19.nj.gov/finder or call 855-568-0545.

Starting May 4th, 2022, New Jersey retail stores, grocery stores, and food service businesses may not provide or sell single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food service products. Single-use paper carryout bags are allowed to be provided or sold, except by grocery stores equal to or larger than 2,500 square feet, which may only provide or sell reusable carryout bags.

To learn more about the new law, visit Get Past Plastic.

The relaxation of pandemic restrictions and the onset of spring weather makes this a great time to revisit the beautiful downtown business districts across New Jersey. VisitNJ.org features a wide array of events, festivals, shows, and other attractions to help you get out of the house while supporting your local business community.

Docket is a mobile app 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.

It's especially important to get tested if you are feeling sick or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

To get tested:

• Find testing sites near you, including their hours and testing requirements.
• Order a free at-home saliva test, shipped to your home at no cost.
• Order free rapid antigen tests, shipped to your home at no cost.

The Business.NJ.gov Updates share timely information on regulations, financing, and services likely to affect your business. Whether you own a small business, work at one, or like to stay in-the-know, you won't want to miss this weekly email.