COVID-19 Information
After a grueling two years, we’ve finally turned a corner on the COVID-19 pandemic. Families are recovering, small businesses are getting back on their feet, and we’re enjoying time with our loved ones again. We have a safe, effective vaccine and we’re better prepared to meet new variants head on.
Still, we mourn the loss of more than 1 million Americans, including more than 33,000 New Jerseyans, and reflect upon the impact they’ve had in our communities and country, as well as remember the loved ones they’ve left behind.
Below is an up-to-date guide and list of resources regarding COVID-19 relief programs, vaccines and testing, veteran information, and special programs for seniors.
More detailed updates can be found by subscribing to our COVID-19 newsletter. If you would like to receive information about COVID-19 regularly, you can sign up here.
You can also visit New Jersey’s COVID-19 Information Hub, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website, or contact our office for more information. All New Jersey residents with questions or concerns about COVID-19 and available resources can also call 2-1-1. To receive live text assistance, you can also text your zip code to 898-211.
On this Page:
- COVID-19 Testing
- COVID-19 Vaccines and Booster Shots
- Mask Recommendations
- Resources for New Jersey Families
- Resources for New Jersey Small Business Owners
- Resources for Veterans
- Resources for Seniors
- Travel
This information was last updated May 12th, 2022.
COVID-19 Testing
Find a testing location near you.
Order free saliva tests shipped to your door.
Access more information on public testing and pop-up sites.
Order up to 8 free at-home rapid tests from COVIDTests.gov. Tests typically ship within 7-12 days of ordering. You can read more here, or if you prefer, call 1-800-232-0233 anytime between 8 a.m. and midnight EST to order by phone.
Up to 8 at-home rapid tests per month for Medicare Part B, including Medicare Advantage, enrollees covered at no cost at participating pharmacies and health care providers. You can read more about this announcement here.
You can also purchase at-home, over-the-counter COVID-19 tests upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement to your insurance company. You can read more about this policy here.
COVID-19 Vaccines and Booster Shots
General COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Anyone six-months old or above who lives, works, or studies in New Jersey is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. For more information about current eligibility, statewide vaccination site locations, and to preregister for vaccination, visit COVID-19.nj.gov/vaccine.
The New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center can also be reached at: 1-855-568-0545.
- Vaccination sites and upcoming clinics in Burlington County
- Vaccination sites and upcoming clinics in Ocean County
If you need a new copy of your vaccination card, click here.
Booster Information
The FDA and CDC have authorized booster shots for all four of the currently available (i.e., FDA-authorized or approved) COVID-19 vaccines. Recommendations vary as outlined below.
CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, for everyone ages five years and older.
Booster shots of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are available to people over five years old who have received their second dose within at least five months.
Booster shots of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are recommended to all adults 18 or older at least two months after their first dose.
Booster shots of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are available to all adults 18 or older who received their second dose at least five months ago.
Unlike the Pfizer booster shot, the Moderna booster shot is a half dose.
The CDC considers people to be up to date if:
They have completed their primary series – but are not yet eligible for a booster
They have received one booster but are not recommended to get a 2nd booster
They have received one booster but are not yet eligible for a 2nd booster
On Tuesday, March 29th, the CDC recommended a second booster shot of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised individuals over age 12 and adults 50 and older at least four months after their first booster.
Why do People Need Booster Shots?
The protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines appears to wane over time, especially for people 65 and older. Booster shots bring people's immunity back up to what it was right after they got their second shots, or to even higher levels.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Under 5
On Saturday, June 18th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their vaccine recommendations to include that all children six-months through five-years of age should receive a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. This expands eligibility for vaccination to nearly 20 million additional children and means that all Americans ages six-months and older are now eligible for vaccination. For more information about this updated recommendation please click here.
To answer questions about vaccinating children, the CDC has shared updated information on their website. Additional resources are listed in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Parents of Adolescents Toolkit (also available in Spanish).
Mask Recommendations
COVID-19 Community Levels
In February, the CDC released a new COVID-19 Community Level tool, which classifies levels of community risk based on the level of disease in the community and classifies each county into low, medium, and high levels of risk.
You can find the current consideration of any county in the United States by using the COVID-19 Community Level tool.
Instead of focusing on eliminating the transmission of the virus, the new guidelines are aimed at preventing hospitals and health-care systems from being overwhelmed and protecting people at high risk for severe illness. CDC officials said the shift reflects the reality that after more than two years of living with the virus, most communities have greater protection against severe illness because of widespread immunity gained from both vaccinations and infections, as well as the increased availability of treatments, testing and higher-quality masks.
Masks on New Jersey Public Transportation
In April, Governor Phil Murphy ended the mask requirement on New Jersey Transit and South Jersey Transportation Authority trains, buses, and light rails. Individuals can still wear a mask based on their personal preference and risk level. You can read more here.
Resources for New Jersey Families
Constituent Resource Guides
Our office receives regular inquiries about where people can find essential resources. We have developed a series of resource guides for the most common inquiries and requests we receive and you can find them linked below.
- Housing Resources
- Mental Health Resources
- Food Assistance Resources
- Children and Family Resources
- Disability Assistance Resources
- Domestic Violence Resources
- Utility Assistance Resources
COVID-19 Related Funeral Reimbursement Assistance
If one of your loved ones has passed away due to the coronavirus, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can help you pay for funeral expenses. You can find more information on this program through FEMA on their website by clicking here, or you can also call 844-684-6333 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST for additional assistance or information.
Paid Sick Leave and Unemployment
New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce has extensive guidance available if you want to learn more about paid sick leave or need to file for unemployment. You can learn morehere.
The Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program helps eligible families pay for their monthly internet bills. Eligible families can receive up to a $30/month discount on broadband service and associated equipment rentals and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. You can learn more and apply here.
Federal Rental Assistance
State and local organizations are distributing federal rental assistance in their communities. The money can help landlords and renters who are struggling to keep up with rent and other bills. You can use the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Rental Assistance Finder tool. More information and resources are available through the state of New Jersey.
For homeowners
Deborah Post-COVID Recovery Treatment Program for "Long Haulers"
Deborah’s Post-COVID Recovery Programhas been designed to address the chronic or persistent health problems of patients who have had COVID-19. The program offers treatment options for a group known as “long haulers,” or patients who continue to have health problems even months after recovering from their initial bout with the virus. Patients who were intubated during their illness are particularly vulnerable to sustained respiratory issues. You can find more info by clicking here.
Premium Subsidies for Health Care through Get Covered New Jersey
The American Rescue Plan has reduced health insurance premiums by providing more financial help to eligible consumers who purchase a plan through Get Covered New Jersey. The State of New Jersey is also providing more financial help to lower health insurance costs for residents. More people than ever will qualify for financial help. If you did not qualify for financial help before because your income was too high, you may qualify under the state and federal changes.
You should use the GetCoveredNJ Shop and Compare Toolto see new estimates of your premiums.
Mental Health Support
New Jerseyans experiencing anxiety, mental health issues, or who are worried about the mental health of someone they love can call 866-202-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support 7 days a week between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST; If you are caring for children or family members and feeling overwhelmed, anxious, isolated, or in need of help, call:
- Family Helpline: 1-800-843-5437
- Mom2Mom: 1-877-914-MOM2
- Children’s System of Care: 1-877-652-7624
Transportation Resources
New Jerseyans can access free and discounted transportation to and from vaccine appointments. The New Jersey Transit VAXRIDE Program offers free tickets to all eligible riders through the NJ TRANSIT mobile app. Individuals without a smartphone may obtain tickets by visiting and registering at one of seven Customer Service Offices or by contacting NJ TRANSIT Customer Service at 973-275-5555 and receiving their tickets via postal mail. To learn more about this program, click here.
Ocean County is offering fare-free COVID-19 Vaccination Trips for seniors age 60 or older and/or persons with disabilities to any of the vaccine clinics within Ocean County. Advance reservations are required. Call 732-736-8989, ext. 1 Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to reserve a ride. Face masks are required.
To learn more about other programs offering complimentary rides in New Jersey, click here.
Resources for New Jersey Small Business Owners
On-Site COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for your Business
The Burlington County Health Department is providing vaccines, staff, and supplies for on-site vaccine clinics to businesses interested in hosting vaccine clinics. If your business is located in Burlington County, you can call 609-265-5290 to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination event at your business location. For more information or general inquiries, please call 609-265-5548 or email bchd@co.burlington.nj.us.
New Jersey’s Return and Earn: Incentive Program for Garden State Workers and Employees
The program will provide a $500 incentive for unemployed workers reentering the workforce and receiving job training from businesses with 100 or fewer employees. This $500 Return and Earn incentive and On-the-Job Training subsidy will be funded by $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. To learn more about this program,click here.
Employers can complete this form to express interest in this program and receive application information as it becomes available. Additionally, job seekers interested in receiving one-on-one virtual career services should complete the service request form here.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Forgiveness Portal
If your PPP loan is $150,000 or less, you may be eligible to apply for direct forgiveness through the Small Business Administration (SBA)'s online portal. For more information, and to see if your lender is participating in direct forgiveness, visit the SBA website. If your lender is not participating in direct forgiveness, you can still apply for forgiveness through your lender.
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Small Business Lease Grant
Applications for NJEDA's Small Business Lease Grant are open and reviewed on a rolling basis. The Small Business Lease Grant helps small businesses and nonprofits grow by providing up to 20 percent of annual lease payments for small businesses and nonprofits entering into new or amended lease agreements.
The NJEDA has received a large number of applications for the Small Business Lease Program. Given the high volume of applications received, they have requested that all applicants remain patient as they work through their process.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are awarded. For more information and the application, click here.
Other SBA Resources and Support
Additional SBA resources and support are available. Funding is still available through their core, traditional lending programs [7(a), 504, Microloan, Disaster Assistance] in addition to new initiatives to help small businesses and startups equitably access the capital, resources and support they need, such as the enhanced Community Advantage Pilot Program, Seed Fund Expo, Small Business Digital Alliance, and the Community Navigators Pilot Program.
In addition, small businesses owners seeking assistance in navigating government resources can also work with the SBA’s outreach network of 140+ Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), 22 Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), 68 Field Offices, and 1000s of Resources Partners that offer counseling, training, mentorship, and assistance.
For more information about COVID-19 relief and funding programs, you can visit theSBA’s website.
New Jersey COVID-19 Business Information Hub
For more information on the rules, resources and upcoming changes that may impact your businesses, you can visit the New Jersey COVID-19 Business Information Hub.
Resources for Veterans
Veterans Newsletter
Each month, our office puts together a veterans newsletter sharing events, resources, and services available to veterans in Burlington and Ocean Counties. We also highlight recent news out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
If you are interested in signing up or know a veteran in your life who may be, click here.
COVID-19 Vaccines at the VA
All veterans, their spouses, caregivers, and Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs recipients can get their COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots at the VA. To find VA facilities near you that offer COVID-19 vaccines either by appointment or by walk-in, click here.
New Helpline for Urgent Medical or Mental Health Questions
If you have an urgent medical or mental health question, you can call the VA’s VISN 4 Triage Nurse clinical contact center. Available 24/7 at 1-833-835-3874.
Creating a HealtheVet Account to Manage Your VA Health Care and Benefits Online
The VA’s HealtheVet online service offers you tips and tools to help veterans partner with their health care team to easily manage health care needs. In your HealtheVet, you can refill your VA prescriptions, view your VA appointments, communicate securely with your providers and view yoru lab and test results all from your own home. You can learn more about My HealtheVet here.
If you have questions about creating an account, you can call Yvette Roberts at 215-823-5800 ext. 7799.
Resources for Seniors
Senior Living Newsletter
Each quarter, our office puts together a newsletter for items and events pertinent to seniors in Burlington and Ocean Counties. This newsletter provides information on what benefits seniors may be eligible for but may not know about. We also highlight information about assistance for caregivers, changes to Medicare, disabilities, and how our office is available to help with issues concerning federal agencies.
If you are interested in signing up or know a senior in your life who may be, you or they can do so here.
COVID Seniors Hotline Info
Seniors 65+ can call 856-249-7007 for assistance to register, schedule, and reschedule vaccination appointments as needed. This is a Senior specific hotline open between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. run by the New Jersey Department of Health.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Homebound Individuals
Any homebound individual who needs their vaccine or booster shots sent to their home can call the Burlington County Health Department at 609-265-5548 or the Ocean County Health Department at 732-341-9700. If you run into any difficulties, our office is also available to help with you this process, and you can call our Toms River District Office at: 732-504-0490
Senior Services in Burlington and Ocean Counties
The Burlington County Office on Aging offers a wide array of services to individuals over 60 years old, which you may find helpful. Their staff provides information and referrals for legal assistance, transportation, Meals on Wheels, weekend meal programs, congregate nutrition sites, home health services, respite care, home security, adult daycare, and care management. A Directory of Services for Burlington County seniors is available through the Office on Aging at 609-265-5069. You can also learn more on their website here.
The Office of Senior Services of Ocean County similarly coordinates many services for those over 60 years old who live in Ocean County. They are the center for information regarding transportation, housing, Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), Senior Gold, Medicare, Medicaid, Energy Assistance, Senior Centers, Property Tax Relief programs, Caregiver Resources, Home Delivered Meals, and much more. To learn more about the resources available through their office, you can call at 732-929-2091.
Travel
All travelers are encouraged to follow travel recommendations from the CDC.
Travelers leaving New Jersey should also check with the travel destination and transportation carrier to see if there are additional health and safety protocols or requirements. Travelers should also check with their employers, schools, and other entities that may have quarantine policies for individuals returning from travel.
Currently, the CDC recommends delaying all domestic and international travel until you are fully vaccinated. While the CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time, it is no longer required. On Monday, April 18th, a federal judge in Florida struck down the mask requirement on airplanes, trains, buses, and other public transportation. This ruling leaves it up to individual airlines and local transit agencies to decide whether or not to keep mask requirements in place. Major airlines, including Delta, American, Southwest, JetBlue, and United, have all announced they will drop mask requirements. Amtrak has also announced it will no longer require riders to wear masks while onboard trains or in stations.
Traveling Abroad
If you are planning to travel aboard, you should check with the travel destination and transportation carrier to see if there are additional health and safety protocols or requirements. You can view the CDC’s COVID-19 travel recommendations by destination for more information about your travel destination and consult the U.S Department of State’s guide for COVID-19 country-specific information here.
If you have questions, you can also contact usembassy.gov or call the 24-hour assistance center from the US and Canada (1-888-407-4747) or from Overseas (1-202-501-4444).
US travelers abroad are strongly encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for emergency alerts atstep.state.gov.
Returning to the United States
All air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before travel to the US. You can use the CDC’s travel assessment tool to learn more about the requirements when boarding a flight into the US.