Cases were rising sharply in New Jersey schools before the holidays, and with hospitalizations now at their highest level statewide since early May 2020, there is growing evidence that children are increasingly among those needing treatment outside the home.
All vacation and other paid leave was canceled for state prison guards through at least Monday, citing a pandemic staff shortage. A union president said staff mental health is in grave danger.
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.