Sources: CBS Local; Covid19NJ.gov
New Jersey has reported its first case of the Omicron variant: A Georgia resident who is currently in New Jersey tested positive for the variant after a recent trip to South Africa.
The resident has been in isolation since testing positive on Nov. 28. According to officials, she experienced moderate symptoms, received care in a North Jersey emergency department and is now recovering. She is fully vaccinated.
In a statement, Gov. Phil Murphy wrote, “The Omicron variant is among us and we need to take steps to stop its spread. It is vital that residents remain as vigilant as possible.”
Health officials say residents should continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, avoid crowded events, get tested if they experience symptoms, stay home when sick and wash hands frequently. Health officials around the world have been concerned about the variant because of its never-before-seen amount of mutations.
The New Jersey Department of Health says more than 70% of residents are fully vaccinated, but so far, only 31% have gotten their booster.
On Thursday, President Biden said he planned to tighten testing for international flights and that passengers, regardless of vaccination status, will have to take a COVID-19 test the day before departing for the U.S.
In addition, a Minnesota resident tested positive for Omicron after attending Anime NYC at the Javits Center — New Jersey attendees are encouraged to get tested.
Docket is an app from the NJ Department of Health (NJDOH) 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 you have lost it, you can easily access your record through the app to provide proof of COVID-19 immunizations as needed. The app adheres to federal and state standards for data security and privacy, and can also provide access to family member records through a shared account.
Individuals with an email or phone number on file with the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS) can access and download their COVID-19 vaccination record using the app.
If a resident received their COVID-19 vaccine out-of-state, their records may not be available in NJIIS. NJDOH has worked with the state and city of New York to obtain records of New Jersey residents vaccinated there and is working on obtaining records for New Jersey residents vaccinated in other states/jurisdictions.
The Docket app is available in the Apple App store or on Google Play with Spanish translation capabilities.