NJ Breaks Coronavirus Case Record For Second Straight Day

NEW JERSEY — For the second day in a row, New Jersey hit a new record Thursday, with 15,482 new COVID-19 virus cases reported in one day and also 33 new deaths.

This new record is almost 6,000 more than the previous record on Wednesday, when New Jersey reported 9,711 cases.

These records are the largest numbers of cases ever to be reported throughout the almost two-year pandemic. The previous peak was reported Jan. 13, 2021, with 6,922 new confirmed cases.

Donna Leusner, director of communications with the New Jersey Department of Health, did say that "it is important to note that testing was less widely available in prior waves, so it is difficult to compare the number of infections between now and prior phases of the pandemic."

The COVID-19 surge is also having rippling effects in local schools and communities.

Masks are coming back in Montclair, Newark and, as of Friday, in Morristown. Shows are being canceled including "Elf on the Shelf" at The Basie Center in Red Bank. Read More: 'The Elf On The Shelf' Canceled At Count Basie Due To COVID-19

One health expert even is warning residents about gathering for Christmas church services or family events.

Dr. Perry Halkitis, the dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health, told the media he is personally canceling his own family gathering this Christmas out of an abundance of caution due to the coronavirus omicron variant that is sweeping the nation.

Halkitis also told people that if they plan to worship in person this Christmas, they should expect to be exposed to omicron. Read More: Christmas Services Increase COVID Exposure, Health Experts Warn

In New Jersey, at least nine school districts pivoted to remote learning or half days this holiday week. Maplewood School District and The College of New Jersey even went one step further when they announced that they will start the new year with remote education, due to rising COVID-19 cases. Read More: NJ School Closures Grow As COVID Cases Spike

Millburn Public Schools also announced half-days for all students upon their return in 2022.

As a result of this winter surge, New Jersey health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination and safe social distancing practices.

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