Confidence has increased as we see the number of vaccines being administered increase. This is a good sign on the path to vaccinating 70 percent of New Jersey’s adult population (or 4.7 million people) by June 30. It should be noted that the Gloucester County Mega-site, one of six the state has set up, is outperforming the other sites, in terms of distributed vaccinations. Kudos to the County workers who are pitching in, around the clock, to ensure this level of proficiency.
I continue to remind you to position yourself to receive the vaccine, knowing now that everyone over the age of 16 will be eligible as of April 19. You can GET REGISTERED for the vaccine at the New Jersey state site.
We hope that this week’s statewide increase is indicative of a downward trend. New case counts in the last seven days increased by 20,864, compared with the prior week’s increase of 24,848. It is the second consecutive week where overall case counts have dropped. The cumulative total of COVID-19 cases in New Jersey is 838,328 since the outbreak started. WE lost 242 more New Jersey residents in the last week, bringing that total to 22,323.
Gloucester County also had a lower case count increase in the past week, halting a four-week streak of increasing numbers. There were 749 new cases reported in the last week, bringing the countywide cumulative total of positive tests to 24,182 since the outset. Four more Gloucester County residents died from the virus, bringing the countywide death total to 551.
Harrison saw their case count increase by 34 this week bringing our cumulative total to 976 since the outbreak began. We have lost 10 Harrison residents.
I have shortened the chart below, only to include the data starting in early November, when the surge became evident. It provides you a glimpse of the weekly COVID-19 case count at the State, County, and local levels.
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MAINTAINING A BALANCE
The rising number of COVID-related hospitalizations over the last few weeks ended. 2,261 patients were reported in the 71 hospitals in New Jersey. That is slightly less than last week’s total. Again, we hope to see that trend continue.
There appears to be a plateau in Mortality Rate. The 7-Day moving average has dropped slightly, from 35 to 33. You will recall that the 7-Day moving average number represents the average number of New Jersey residents who die from COVID-19.
ON THE HOME FRONT
We are happy to include an update from our Harrison Township Fire District Chairman, Ken Powell, about the upcoming Fire District Election on Tuesday, April 20. Please take a minute to read his newsletter before voting at our Township Municipal Building next Tuesday.
WE ARE A VILLAGE
Our Recreation Commission is putting together another Concert at The Wilt. If you did not attend last year – it is a great setup. You may buy a circle for $30 and bring up to 6 people. A Magician will be performing during intermission for those that bring kids. Outlaw Country band, Cotton Mouth will be performing and there will be food trucks and other activities set up by some of the sponsors. Tickets can be purchased here. Thank you to those businesses that help to support and fund community events like this. The Concert sponsors include: Thrive Fitness, Pediatric Dentistry Mullica Hill, In the Village Day Spa, Nancy Kowalik Real Estate Group, and others.
As the weather improves and the temperatures rise, do all that you can to frequent and patronize our local businesses. We have all endured an unprecedented year, but small business owners, like those on Main Street and throughout town, have struggled more than most. They are part of our family and it has been amazing to watch our community step up during this pandemic and spend money in our local shops and eateries. Stay that course as restrictions ease and it becomes easier to shop and gather in our favorite places. Thank you for remaining Harrison strong!
