Hillsborough Is Awaiting Direction From State On COVID Omicron Variant Preparations

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough is awaiting the state's direction to find out how to prepare and combat against the inevitability of the new coronavirus Omicron variant hitting the township.

"We take our direction from the NJ Department of Health and the CDC. Scientists are working on finding out whether our vaccines will be effective against it, whether or not it is easily spread, and the severity of the disease it may cause. As soon as information is received, the NJ Department of Health and the CDC will give us direction, and we will move forward," said Hillsborough Township's Health Officer, Siobahn Spano.

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The Omicron variant of the coronavirus that emerged last week has already resulted in a new travel ban in New Jersey that took effect Monday. Gov. Phil Murphy said he is concerned about flights from South Africa, which is one of the countries covered by the ban put in place by President Joe Biden over the weekend. Read More: COVID Omicron Variant Prompts NJ Travel, Masking Changes

Murphy added that he strongly recommends wearing masks indoors and outside when social distancing cannot be maintained, and to take family gatherings outside if the weather allows for it.

Locally, Hillsborough is beginning to see a rise in new COVID cases. On Monday, the township reported 25 new cases and 113 new cases over the past two weeks.

Since March 2020, Hillsborough has reported 3,959 positive COVID cases across all age groups.

The township also reported one new COVID-related death on Nov. 23 bringing the total dead to 113 since the start of the pandemic. Deaths range in age from 40 to 100-plus.

For more information on Hillsborough's COVID numbers or where to get vaccinated locally visit hillsborough.311.town.

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