COVID, Vaccines: Edison-Metuchen's Top Stories in 2020

EDISON-METUCHEN, NJ – Many would not want to relive 2020. Like the rest of the country, Edison-Metuchen's year was shaped by the pandemic and the effects of the shutdown. The towns saw death, tragedy and job losses. Patch is looking back at a year one will never forget.

Here’s are some of the top stories from Edison-Metuchen in 2020.

Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home'

In March, Gov. Phil Murphy announced stay-at-home orders, after state COVID cases rose to 1,327. He did not provide any date for reopening. The order provided for certain exceptions, such as obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work or engaging in outdoor activities.

Edison Passes Ordinance To Make Mayor Position Full-Time

In November, Edison Town Council passed an ordinance to make the position of the mayor full-time, with a salary of $135,000. The position of the mayor in Edison is a part-time one. The ordinance passed 4-2, with councilmembers saying Edison needs a full-time mayor due to the "increased demands and responsibilities." Current mayor Thomas Lankey also serves as Senior Vice President for JFK Healthcare System.

Metuchen Man, 25, Fights For Life Amid Coronavirus 'Red Tape'

A healthy 25-year-old Metuchen man nearly lost his battle to COVID-19 had it not been for a timely intervention from a US congressman. Jack Allard was in perfect health and working as a banker in Manhattan. He fell ill March 13 and his condition deteriorated rapidly. He was taken to JFK Medical Center in Edison and put in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator. But a lab lost his positive test result and Jack's family got Congressman Josh Gottheimer involved, who had to fight to get him put on a drug trial for remdesivir. He was airlifted to the University of Pennsylvania Hospital for the trial. Five weeks after being put on the ventilator, Jack walked out of hospital in late April. His story served as a reminder that COVID-19 can kill even the healthiest people.

Here's Who May Get COVID Vaccine Next, And Where, In NJ

Gov. Phil Murphy announced the opening of COVID-19 vaccine sites in New Jersey and one is right here in Edison - the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center. The sites are scheduled to start opening in early January. Currently the state is vaccinating those in group 1A, which includes healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff. The state hopes to vaccinate 70 percent of the adult population – or 4.7 million adults – within six months.