SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Residents in New Jersey developmental centers, serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, are being added to the list of those who will be among the first to be vaccinated for the coronavirus.
Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said 1,250 residents at the state’s five centers have been enrolled in the federal pharmacy program for vaccinations — the program in which CVS and Walgreens will administer the vaccine to residents in long-term care facilities.
They will begin administering shots on Dec. 28.
“All of these individuals are at high risk,” said Persichilli. “Due to the number of individuals involved, this will take some time.”
Additionally, at a Trenton press briefing, Gov. Phil Murphy said he’s signing an executive order that will push fire district and special elections, scheduled for February and March, back to April 20, along with school board elections.
“We’re doing this because moving these elections a single day to a single day better conserves the time and resources of our local election officials,” he said.
Murphy said it has not yet been determined whether the elections would be in-person or by mail, or both. He said a decision will be announced by the middle of February.
And, Murphy said anecdotal evidence indicated that most people kept their Thanksgiving gatherings small. He urged residents to continue mask-wearing and social distancing over the upcoming holidays.
“This is the year for a small Christmas with those in our immediate family bubble,” he added. “That means also ringing in the new year with only those in our own household.”
The governor also said he was glad there was a congressional deal on a $900 billion stimulus package, but he said it’s not enough.
“Count me as grateful for this agreement, but do not count me as satisfied,” he said.
Murphy also announced he’s extending the state’s public health emergency for another 30 days.