By: Matt McGovern (LINCS COVID-19 Epidemiologist/Data Manager) 

It appears that this most recent “wave” of the pandemic in Morris County and the state of New Jersey has plateaued over the past several weeks and resulted in a welcomed decline in cases. This trend is evident when you view the current cases and trends in the county and state. You can view this trend if you click: https://covid19.nj.gov/forms/datadashboard and select “Cases and Trends,” which will enable you filter through the different counties on the right by clicking “Filter by County.” The predominant variant causing COVID-19 cases is still the Delta variant according to the most recent state report (as of 10-16-21). 

However, if you are experiencing any symptoms, or if you are a close contact of someone that has tested positive, it is recommended to get tested for COVID-19. Here is a specific guide if you are sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html . Also, here is a list of testing siteswithin and near Morris County: https://www.morriscountynj.gov/Residents/Health/Coronavirus/Testing-Sites .

Morris County continues to be one of the leading counties regarding vaccination efforts. Moreover, the long discussed booster shots have finally been approved and begun to be administered to those that fit the criteria listed below: 

These booster doses will assist in the continued protection from COVID-19 and lower the possibility of serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Of particular significance, booster doses have been approved as heterologous vaccines, which means that your booster dose can be different than your initial primary series. For example, if you received 2 doses of Moderna 28 days apart, you could receive a 3^rd dose (booster dose) of the Moderna, Pfizer, or J & J vaccine at least 6 months after your 2^nd dose. Meanwhile, if you received 2 doses of Pfizer 21 days apart, you could receive a 3^rd dose (booster dose) of the Moderna, Pfizer, or J & J vaccine at least 6 months after your 2^nddose. Lastly, if you received a dose of Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, then you can receive a 2^nd dose (booster dose) of the Moderna, Pfizer, or J &J vaccine at least 2 months after your 1^st dose. 

For a list of vaccination sites (including booster locations) within and near Morris County, please visit: https://www.morriscountynj.gov/Residents/Health/Coronavirus/Vaccination-Sites . To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/your-vaccination.html .

I can be reached at mmcgovern@mcpik.org .