Murphy reinstates Public Health Emergency for NJ as COVID spreads rapidly

NEW JERSEY — Gov. Phil Murphy renewed his Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency declarations for the Garden State Tuesday.

"COVID-19 remains a significant threat to our state and we must commit every resource available to beating back the wave caused by the Omicron variant," the governor said in a statement.

The executive order allows state agencies and departments to use resources to assist in the battle against COVID-19, according to a release from the governor's office.

The Public Health Emergency allows the state to continue vaccination distribution, as well as vaccination and testing requirements in certain settings. New Jersey will also continue to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Existing orders requiring masking in schools and day cares also remain in effect.

"While we hope to return to a state of normalcy as soon as possible, the step I am taking today is a commonsense measure that will protect the safety and well-being of all New Jersey residents while allowing state government to respond to the continuing threat that COVID-19 poses to our daily lives," Murphy said.

COVID-19 hospitalizations in New Jersey have blown past the peak number reported during last winter’s surge, state Health Department data. There were 6,036 people hospitalized on Tuesday. By comparison, the peak daily number of hospitalizations during last winter’s surge was 3,873.