The New Jersey Hospital Association said hospitals in all regions of the state were being placed on "level red," which generally means visitors are restricted except in certain circumstances.
As the state confirmed the variant of concern has arrived, here's the latest questions and answers — does it appear easier to spread, and do vaccines seem to work against it?
Metuchen is taking down extra tents by November, while Brick and Freehold townships have reported more business as usual among restaurants in late fall 2021.
One New Jersey child and family psychologist says parents should ease their kids' minds about back-to-school amid COVID-19 by talking to them and validating their feelings.