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Slowing the Spread FAQs

  • Who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine in New Jersey? How many doses of a COVID-19 vaccine should I get?

    Last Updated: 10/17/2023
    CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious COVID-19 infections this fall and winter. Vaccination remains the best protecti...
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  • Should I wear a mask to stop the spread of COVID-19?

    Last Updated: 04/13/2022
    In New Jersey, face masks are no longer required in most outdoor and indoor settings. The Department of Health recommends wearing a face mask whenever you have symptoms of COVID-19, tested positive...
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  • What Is Contact Tracing? How Does It Stop The Spread of COVID-19?

    Last Updated: 07/07/2022
    Contact tracing is the process used to identify those who come into contact with people who have tested positive for many contagious diseases – such as measles, HIV, and COVID-19 – and is a lon...
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  • How do I know when a contact tracer is calling? How do I know it's not a scam? What will they ask me?

    Last Updated: 07/07/2022
    Contact tracers are calling with life-saving information that will keep you, your loved ones, and your community safe and healthy. When a New Jersey contact tracer calls, it's because you tested po...
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  • What should I do if I was exposed to COVID-19? What is a close contact?

    Last Updated: 02/07/2023
    You may have been exposed to COVID-19 if you were in close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more over 24-hours) with someone who had COVID-19, or have been told by a healthcare provider or ...
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  • Where is vaccination or testing required by the State of New Jersey for workers in New Jersey?

    Last Updated: 08/15/2022
    As of June 12th, 2023, there is no State government order requiring workers in New Jersey workplaces to undergo COVID-19 testing or to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations. Individual employers...
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  • If two people are suspected to be infected, can they quarantine in close proximity to each other?

    Unless it is unavoidable, two people 'suspected' of being infected should not quarantine together if they will have contact with each other or the potential to spread the disease between one anothe...
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  • Is it safe to read my mail or the newspaper or handle packages delivered to my house?

    The likelihood of becoming infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 from mail, newspapers, or packages is quite low. Out of an abundance of caution during the pandemic, when handling or reading...
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  • Can just hot water kill the COVID-19 virus on surfaces? If yes, for how long?

    No, hot water alone cannot kill the virus that causes COVID-19 on surfaces. The virus (SARS-CoV-2) has a fat-based envelope that makes it very susceptible to detergents and alcohol. While it is lik...
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  • What are common misconceptions about contact tracing?

    Last Updated: 07/07/2022
    Q: If I test positive for COVID-19, do I have to tell the contact tracer everyone I was in close contact with? No. Your contact tracer may either ask for names to notify those contacts or you may b...
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  • How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?

    Last Updated: 03/17/2023
    Our first responders and health care workers are saving lives every day -- so can you. Your family, your friends, your neighbors -- their lives are literally in your hands. Here's how you can do yo...
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  • Is it safe to visit a newborn baby? If not, how long should I stay away?

    Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for detailed information about precautions to take regarding newborns.
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  • Am I at risk if I touch someone who died of COVID-19 after they have passed away?

    COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads. The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to mainly spread from close contact (i.e., within about 6 feet) with a person who is cu...
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  • How Is My Data Being Used and How Is My Privacy Being Protected When Contact Tracing?

    Last Updated: 07/07/2022
    Your information is confidential. Your name will not be released to your contacts or your COVID-19 status – that information will only be known to public health officials and our local health dep...
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  • How do pregnant people or new mothers stay safe? What rules are in place for labor and delivery during COVID-19?

    Last Updated: 02/10/2023
    If you are pregnant or were recently pregnant, you are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19 compared to people who are not pregnant. People who become severely ill with COVID-19 may need t...
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  • How can I volunteer as a health care professional or join the Medical Reserve Corps?

    Last Updated: 02/27/2023
    Medical Reserve Corps New Jersey is calling on retired health care professionals with vaccination skills to volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). Register As a New Medical Reserve Corps V...
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  • What is community spread?

    Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dra...
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  • Is hand sanitizer effective against the virus?

    If used properly, alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is an effective way to kill the COVID-19 virus. Hand sanitizer is often faster and easier, however if you have the option, y...
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  • Is it safe to eat takeout food?

    Properly prepared cooked food is unlikely to get you sick with COVID-19. Although there could be some risk from the person-to-person interaction of picking up food or getting delivery, this might s...
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  • Is Bactine effective as hand sanitizer against COVID-19 virus?

    According to the active ingredients list, Bactine uses Benzalkonium as an antiseptic (as substance that stops germs). One recent study found that Benzalkoium is not as effective as alcohol-based sa...
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  • What should people at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19 do?

    To determine if you are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and learn the proper precautions, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website. Drafted 3 December 2020
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  • Why close schools if children do not get very sick with COVID-19?

    Even children who do not show symptoms may still carry the disease and pass it on to others. COVID-19 can easily be transmitted from person to person, and people do not have pre-existing immunity. ...
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  • How can I take care of myself at home?

    If you have possible or confirmed COVID-19: Stay home from work, school, and away from other public places. If you must go out, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxi...
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  • How do I prevent myself from becoming sick when taking care of someone who is already sick?

    Have the person stay in one room, away from other people, including yourself, as much as possible. If possible, have them use a separate bathroom. Avoid sharing personal household items, like dish...
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  • When should I wash my hands?

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has guidelines for when people should wash their hands, such as: Before, during, and after preparing food. Before eating food. Before and after carin...
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  • What is the best way to use hand sanitizer?

    The best technique is to apply about a dime-sized amount, and then carefully and thoroughly rub it over the palms and the back of the hands and let it dry completely. Hand sanitizer is a good way t...
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  • How can I get help with scheduling a vaccine appointment?

    Last Updated: 09/18/2023
    To find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233. To schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, reach out to the locatio...
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  • COVID Alert NJ: Data/Privacy

    Last Updated: 05/17/2023
    COVID Alert NJ has been discontinued. The COVID Alert NJ app was retired on April 28, 2023. The app will no longer receive updates or generate notifications and can safely be removed from devices o...
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  • COVID Alert NJ: Overview

    Last Updated: 04/28/2023
    COVID Alert NJ has been discontinued. The COVID Alert NJ app was retired on April 28, 2023. The app will no longer receive updates or generate notifications and can safely be removed from devices o...
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  • Should I get a flu shot?

    Last Updated: 02/17/2023
    Yes, the CDC and the New Jersey Department of Health strongly recommend everyone six months of age and older get a flu vaccine every year. It is likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes CO...
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  • How do COVID-19 vaccines work?

    Last Updated: 02/15/2023
    Vaccines work by triggering a person's immune system to develop protection against a disease. COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having ...
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  • How many COVID-19 vaccine doses do I need if I’m immunocompromised?

    Last Updated: 02/07/2023
    Note: For detailed information on timing for each dose and type, refer to the CDC's COVID-19 vaccine guidelines for immunocompromised people. Children aged 6 months through 4 years who are moderate...
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  • What is the State doing to protect residents and staff of nursing homes or long-term care facilities?

    Last Updated: 03/12/2022
    COVID-19 has devastated long-term care facilities and nursing homes in New Jersey and across the nation. In an effort to protect the lives of residents and staff at these facilities, the State has ...
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  • How do I get a new copy of my COVID-19 vaccination card? Is there an app or a digital copy?

    Last Updated: 02/11/2022
    Docket App Docket is an app from the NJ Department of Health that makes it easier for you and your family to securely access your COVID-19 vaccination record. If you don't have your vaccination car...
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  • How can I avoid vaccine scams?

    Last Updated: 01/20/2022
    The FBI has issued an alert warning of several emerging fraud schemes related to COVID-19 vaccines to illegally obtain sensitive personal information or money. Signs of potential COVID-19 vaccine s...
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  • Consumer Access to COVID-19 Immunization Records with Docket FAQs

    Functionality What is Docket? Docket connects you directly with immunization registries (including the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS)) to deliver up-to-date personal and family...
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