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Slowing the Spread FAQs

  • How do I get a COVID-19 vaccine or a booster shot?

    Last Updated: 04/04/2022
    Note: Everyone ages 12 and older should get a booster shot at any vaccination location -- as long as it has been at least 5 months after your second Pfizer or Moderna shot, or 2 months after your o...
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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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  • Who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster in New Jersey? How many doses of a COVID-19 vaccine should I get?

    Last Updated: 04/04/2022
    Get vaccinated and boosted. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Everyone 5 years or older is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine i...
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  • What Is Contact Tracing? How Does It Stop The Spread of COVID-19?

    Last Updated: 06/08/2021
    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 get the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine? What if I got my first shot in a different state?

    Last Updated: 04/04/2022
    Residents can get their second dose at any vaccination location. Use the Vaccine Appointment Finder to make an appointment for your second dose at a location near you. The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-...
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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: 10/24/2020
    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 think I've been exposed to COVID-19? Should I quarantine? How long do I have to stay home?

    Last Updated: 03/02/2022
    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 if you participated in a high risk activity...
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  • Where is vaccination or testing required for workers in New Jersey?

    Last Updated: 03/03/2022
    All covered workers in the following settings are currently required to be fully vaccinated or subject to COVID-19 testing at minimum one to two times per week: Health care facilities and high-ris...
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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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  • Can the coronavirus spread through sweat?

    There is no evidence that the virus can be spread through sweat. However, the virus can be transmitted in places like gyms by other means - through respiratory droplets that pass from person to per...
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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: 11/09/2021
    Q: If I test positive for COVID-19, do I have to tell the contact tracer everyone I was in close contact with? Your help is the key to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and protecting your loved ones...
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  • How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?

    Last Updated: 04/18/2022
    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 the State tracing so many contacts?

    Last Updated: 07/16/2021
    As testing of individuals for COVID-19 has increased, so has the need for contact tracers to conduct interviews with individuals who may have come into contact with those who tested positive. To me...
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  • For Contact Tracing, Who is Considered A Close Contact?

    Last Updated: 01/11/2022
    For contact tracing purposes, a "close contact" is anyone who spent 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period and was within 6 feet of a person infected with COVID-19 while they were infectious (2...
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  • How Is My Data Being Used and How Is My Privacy Being Protected When Contact Tracing?

    Last Updated: 10/24/2020
    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: 02/23/2022
    In partnership with the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, the Department of Health has issued guidance for pregnant individuals and health care providers to ensure they can obtain safe and ...
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  • How can I volunteer as a health care professional or join the Medical Reserve Corps? What if I’m retired, out of state, licensed in a foreign country, or just graduated with a degree in a health care-related field?

    Last Updated: 03/28/2022
    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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  • Can children catch the COVID-19 virus at school?

    Yes. Respiratory viral diseases, including COVID-19, are spread when people come into contact with one another. This means that any place where people gather in close proximity can lead to viral tr...
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  • Can people infected with COVID-19 spread the disease before appearing to be ill?

    Yes. Everyone should wear face coverings because around 40 percent of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 may not show symptoms, so it's not clear who is or is not infected and capable of spreading COVI...
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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 get infected?

    COVID-19 spreads when a person with the virus coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. Small droplets drift in the air and are breathed in, or larger droplets land on the body or objects, allowing SARS...
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  • Would closing schools help prevent the spread of COVID-19?

    In the past, closing schools does appear to have helped to control the spread of viruses like influenza. This is because children tend to be very susceptible to common human respiratory viruses. Th...
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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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  • Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick with COVID-19?

    We are still learning about this virus, but it appears that it can spread from people to animals in some situations. Until we learn more about this new coronavirus, you should restrict contact with...
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  • How many COVID-19 vaccine doses do I need if I’m immunocompromised?

    Last Updated: 04/04/2022
    Children ages 5 through 11 years who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should get a primary series of 3 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to stay up to date. People 12 years and older who...
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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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  • COVID Alert NJ: Overview

    Last Updated: 12/22/2021
    What is COVID Alert NJ app? COVID Alert NJ app is a New Jersey's free, and secure mobile app that anonymously alerts users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive fo...
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  • COVID Alert NJ: Using COVID Alert NJ

    Last Updated: 12/22/2021
    How do users report themselves as positive for COVID-19? When an individual receives a positive test result, they will be contacted by a Department of Health public health representative and have t...
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  • Should I get a flu shot?

    Last Updated: 09/02/2021
    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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  • COVID Alert NJ: Technical Specifications and User Experience

    Last Updated: 04/07/2021
    I'm receiving a 1002 or 1005 error during onboarding, what do I do about this? If you were connected to Wi-Fi during the onboarding screens, please disable Wi-Fi, and then proceed through onboardin...
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  • What’s the difference between the COVID Alert NJ app and the Exposure Notification (EN) service setting on my iPhone?

    Last Updated: 04/07/2021
    They are both part of COVID Alert NJ exposure notifications. The COVID Alert NJ app can be downloaded and installed on your compatible phone. The app icon will appear on your screen like any other ...
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  • How can I get help with scheduling a vaccine appointment?

    Last Updated: 03/17/2021
    If you need help scheduling a vaccination appointment, try the following: Vaccine Call Center The Vaccine Call Center (1-855-568-0545) is available to register individuals in the NJ Vaccine Schedul...
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  • How do COVID-19 vaccines work?

    Last Updated: 03/01/2021
    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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  • COVID Alert NJ: I'm receiving a 1002 or 1005 error during onboarding, what do I do about this?

    Last Updated: 10/07/2020
    I'm receiving a 1002 or 1005 error during onboarding, what do I do about this? If you were connected to Wi-Fi during the onboarding screens, please disable Wi-Fi, and then proceed through onboardin...
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  • COVID Alert NJ: Community Toolkit

    Last Updated: 09/30/2020
    How can I share COVID Alert NJ with my family, friends, and social network? Please visit COVID Alert NJ's Community Toolkit to view and download over a dozen of resources to help you share the app,...
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  • COVID Alert NJ: Data/Privacy

    Last Updated: 09/30/2020
    Does COVID Alert NJ track a user's location? COVID Alert NJ does not use, track, or collect any geolocation or GPS data. It works exclusively through Bluetooth proximity detection. Is COVID Alert N...
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  • COVID Alert NJ: Traditional Contact Tracing

    Last Updated: 09/30/2020
    What is traditional contact tracing and how does it work? Contact tracing is a long-standing vital public health tool used in New Jersey and throughout the world to identify infected individuals an...
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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) to deliver up-to-date COVID-19 immunization re...
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