In Gov. Phil Murph’s first COVID briefing in April, he announced that there is a plan to step up NJ’s vaccination efforts.
New eligibility updates included residents who are at least 55, individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities ages 16 and up, higher education educators and staff, laundry service and sanitation workers, media members, etc.
“We are also going to make our most aggressive push yet to meet our vaccination goals,” Murphy said at the briefing.
Murphy also announced that, effective two weeks from yesterday (April 5, 2021), all New Jerseyans ages 16 and up will be eligible for vaccination. While this development is about twelve days earlier than anticipated, Murphy said that it is the right move given the state’s current trajectory as it relates to its vaccination efforts.
“We believe we can responsibly move that date up from May 1 to April 19,” Murphy said at the briefing.
Murphy also announced a way for citizens to track NJ’s vaccination progress. As of today, April 6, more than 1.8 million New Jersey residents have been fully vaccinated. Murphy hopes by June 30, 4.7 million adults will be fully vaccinated in the state of NJ.
Murphy said that nearly 99% of all NJ residents live within five miles of a vaccination location, which lessens the burden on travel.
“Our goal is to have the most accessible and equitable vaccine program in the nation,” Murphy said. “I am proud that we are delivering on that promise.”
Another development took place at the briefing pertaining to domestic travel. Murphy announced that individuals who are fully vaccinated no longer need to get tested before or after travel, and they are no longer required to self-quarantine after their trip is concluded.