Record COVID Cases In NJ As Holidays Near

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey hit a new record Wednesday with 9,711 new COVID-19 cases reported in one day. This is the most amount of cases ever to be reported throughout the almost two-year pandemic.

"Today’s positive case number is the highest the Department has reported. The previous peak value was reported on Jan. 13, 2021 (6,922 new confirmed cases). However, 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," said Donna Leusner, Director of Communications with the New Jersey Department of Health.

As of Wednesday, there were also 2,579 probable cases and 28 confirmed COVID-related deaths.

Since the Omicron was labeled as the dominant coronavirus variant, New Jersey and states across the country have been experiencing a surge in cases.

Looking at the numbers in the past week, when 3,524 cases were reported, cases have increased by 6,187 or more than 70 percent.

Even in the past month, cases have increased by 7,695 or more than 300 percent.

As a result of this latest COVID surge New Jersey towns and municipalities are pivoting plans.

Some schools in Sussex, Union, Middlesex, and Essex Counties shifted to virtual learning as COVID-19 case numbers in New Jersey schools spike. Hundreds of students in Newark schools have shifted to remote learning as well, Patch News Partner Chalkbeat Newark reports.

Others have taken alternative routes, like in the School District of the Chathams and Millburn, where all schools are operating on an early dismissal schedule this week.

As of Wednesday, the Maplewood/South Orange School District went one step further when it announced that it will start the new year with remote education, due to rising COVID-19 cases. Read More: Maplewood School District Will Be Remote After Winter Break

Even one higher education institution is pivoting their plans. The College of New Jersey, based in Ewing, Mercer County will be remote for the upcoming winter session in January due to COVID-19. Read More: New Jersey College Goes Remote For Winter Session Due To COVID

Additionally, two Essex County towns are bringing back the mask mandate.

On Monday, Mayor Ras Baraka announced that Newark is bringing back its indoor face mask mandate amid a "spike in new COVID-19 cases" and the "emergence of the omicron variant." Read the full executive order below. Read More: Masks Are Back: Newark Indoor Mandate Returns As COVID Spikes

On Tuesday, the Montclair Town Council passed a resolution that will last for 30 days. All local businesses and venues located that are open to the public must require both staff and customers/visitors to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth while they're inside the establishment and within six feet of other people. Read More: Montclair Council OKs Indoor Mask Mandate, Cites Omicron Spread

As case rates remain high in New Jersey so does the demand for tests heading into the holidays with Walgreens, Walmart and CVS now limiting the number of COVID-19 tests customers can purchase at one time. Read More: NJ Walgreens, CVS Limit COVID-19 Tests As Demand Explodes

With an increase in school cases, state officials continue to push the importance of vaccinations and boosters.

"Let's spread cheer, not COVID," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli. "Lets get vaccinated and boostered to protect ourselves, our family, friends, and our children."

To find a vaccine location, click here.

Gov. Phil Murphy is also encouraging residents to get tested before gathering for the holidays.

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