January 21 COVID-19 Update

There are numerous sites throughout the state that are currently administering the vaccine to qualified individuals. If you prefer, you can reach out directly to a site near you to attempt to schedule an appointment. Please note that many of these sites may be fully booked.

We share with you the most recent COVID-19 numbers from our State, County, and local resources.  We strongly encourage all residents to follow the COVID-19 guidelines repeated at the end of this article to navigate these difficult times safely. 

Historic Overview of Ewing COVID-19 Cases

Where, When and How You Can Get Vaccinated

Last week we shared news from Governor Phil Murphy about an expansion of eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. (Repeated below in brief)  If you are eligible to receive the vaccine, there are generally three ways to get vaccinated:

• You can make an appointment directly with one of the many designated vaccination sites across the state. Click here to view a full list of these designated vaccination sites. Appointments may be limited depending upon vaccine availability.
• You can pre-register for the vaccine on the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System. This online portal enables prioritized groups of individuals, and eventually, the general public, to find a vaccination site, pre-register, and schedule an appointment when one is available. Click here to visit the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System.   They will notify you when you can make an appointment. 
  You can call 855-568-0545 for help with the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System. This number is an automated system. Live operators will be available in the coming days.
• For healthcare employees and volunteers, their facilities, including many hospitals, may offer vaccines directly. If you work at one of the facilities, you can contact your employer to learn if the vaccine is available to you.

Mercer County Announced the Opening of a Vaccination Site at the CURE Arena

“Mercer County will open a vaccination site starting Thursday, Jan. 21 at CURE Arena, in partnership with Capital Health System. Mercer County receives vaccine doses from the State Department of Health, and there are an extremely limited number of doses made available to Mercer County. This is of no fault of the County or the State, as the supply comes directly from the Federal Government. In order to receive your vaccine from Mercer County, you must first register into the state system. You will be notified when an appointment becomes available. The State also reports that it will open a call center the week of Jan. 25 to answer your questions.” 

Mercer County Vaccine Update Jan. 20, 2021

Who is eligible for vaccination at this time?

As per the January 14^th directive, vaccines are now available to the following groups:

• Healthcare Personnel (Phase 1A)
• Long-Term Care Residents and Staff (Phase 1A)
• First Responders (Phase 1B)
• Individuals at High Risk (Phase 1B) including Individuals aged 65 and older, and individuals ages 16-64 with medical conditions, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that increase the risk of severe illness from the virus.

Full eligibility details are available from Who is eligible for vaccination in New Jersey? Who is included in the vaccination phases?  on the NJ State COVID-19 Information Hub.

If You Aren't Qualified for The Vaccine at This Time:

If you don't qualify for a vaccine at this time, register on the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System and they will notify you when the vaccine is available for you.

Safety Tips

We remind all residents of the following strategies to help you stay safe:

• Keep Your Distance -- stay at least six feet away from others -- and Wear a Face Covering.
• Wash Your Hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after being in a public place, as well as after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not accessible, use a Hand Sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose and Mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid Close Contact with people who are sick.
• Stay Home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
• Cover Your Mouth and Nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

[1] https://covid19.nj.gov/ with 1/21/2021 morning data

[2] https://mercernj.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/6a9746e0df254b7bb56083d827972321     with 1/21/2021 morning data

[3] https://mercernj.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/6a9746e0df254b7bb56083d827972321     with 1/19/2021 morning data

[4] Ewing fatalities as reported by the Ewing Township Health Office