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...
Learn MoreHow do I know if I am an asymptomatic carrier?
The only definitive way to know if you have COVID-19 is by getting tested.
Testing is now available to everyone in New Jersey. Find a testing location near you by visiting covid19.nj.gov/testing.
I...
Learn MoreIf 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...
Learn MoreCan 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...
Learn MoreIs 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...
Learn MoreCan 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...
Learn MoreWhat should I do if I think my co-worker has COVID-19?
Last Updated: 11/24/2020
NOTE: It's important to prevent stigma and discrimination in the workplace. Employees should not make determinations of risk based on race or country of origin and be sure to maintain confidentiali...
Learn MoreWhat are common misconceptions about contact tracing?
Last Updated: 10/24/2020
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...
Learn MoreHow can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?
Last Updated: 01/20/2021
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...
Learn MoreCan someone who has been quarantined for COVID-19 spread the illness to others?
Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to pr...
Learn MoreHow you can help the State’s contact tracing program? How can I become a contact tracer?
Last Updated: 10/24/2020
Answer The Call – Protect Your Loved Ones – Stop COVID-19
Your help is the key to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and protecting your loved ones.
Contact tracers are calling with life-saving in...
Learn MoreIs 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.
Learn MoreAm 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...
Learn MoreHow is the State tracing so many contacts?
Last Updated: 02/25/2021
As testing of individuals for COVID-19 increases, so does the need for contact tracers to conduct interviews with individuals who may have come into contact with those who tested positive. It is es...
Learn MoreCan getting the flu shot, or vaccines against pneumonia, help ward off pneumonia brought on by COVID-19?
There is no evidence that getting the vaccination against influenza will help against COVID-19. They are different viruses and the antibodies that protect us from one virus do not protect us agains...
Learn MoreFor Contact Tracing, Who is Considered A Close Contact?
Last Updated: 10/24/2020
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...
Learn MoreHow 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...
Learn MoreHow 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: 02/24/2021
Thank you for your interest in serving the State of New Jersey and helping to save lives during this public health crisis.
As part of the state's ongoing effort to combat COVID-19, the State of New...
Learn MoreWhat 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...
Learn MoreIs 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...
Learn MoreWhy aren't we asking only the most vulnerable in our communities to self-isolate instead of the entire population?
While the elderly and those with certain underlying health conditions are most at risk for severe COVID-19, many young, healthy people are also becoming very ill and requiring hospitalization, or e...
Learn MoreIs 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...
Learn MoreIs 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...
Learn MoreCan 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...
Learn MoreCan 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...
Learn MoreWhere has New Jersey established field medical stations for COVID-19 response?
Last Updated: 07/08/2020
The East Orange Alternate Care Site, located in a former physical therapy rehabilitation center, has space set aside for individuals in isolation who have tested positive for COVID-19, don't have s...
Learn MoreWhat 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
Learn MoreHow do I safely handle deliveries and interact with in-home service providers?
Last Updated: 11/23/2020
DELIVERIES
Packages
There is low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures.
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through clos...
Learn MoreWhat's the best guidance for cleaning a facility when someone may have been sick?
Last Updated: 04/20/2020
It is recommended to close off areas used by anyone who is ill or has symptoms and wait as long as practical before beginning cleaning and disinfection to minimize potential for exposure to respira...
Learn MoreWhy 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. ...
Learn MoreHow 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...
Learn MoreShould I wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Yes. At least one-third of people infected with the novel coronavirus will not exhibit symptoms and could be able to spread COVID-19 to others by breathing or talking. Furthermore, those who are in...
Learn MoreWould 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...
Learn MoreSince there is a shortage of masks, is it possible to make your own?
Yes, it is possible to make your own cloth face coverings.
Here is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resource with instructions for making masks.
Updated 3 December 2020
Learn MoreIs it safe to go...to the gym...on playdates...to parties...out to the bars for drinks...to sleepovers...to friends’ or family members’ homes for meals or visits...to coffee shops...?
Spread of the COVID-19 virus makes visiting the gym, and all social interactions, riskier. Many facilities have already shut down or put in place safety precautions, and more and more localities ar...
Learn MoreHow 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...
Learn MoreHow 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...
Learn MoreWhen 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...
Learn MoreWhat 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...
Learn MoreShould 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...
Learn MoreWhere can I find guidance on best practices to maintain the health and safety of seasonal farm workers? What rules are in place and what resources are available?
Last Updated: 02/18/2021
Note: The article below summarizes guidance from the 2020 season. Please watch for updates regarding the 2021 season.
Under Executive Order No. 192, summarized below, all employers must adhere to n...
Learn MoreWhat should I do if an outbreak occurs near me?
Just like people should prepare for hurricanes, people should be prepared in case of a pandemic. People should have a two-week supply of food, water, and necessary prescription and non-prescription...
Learn MoreCOVID Alert NJ: Using COVID Alert NJ
Last Updated: 02/24/2021
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...
Learn MoreHow is winter weather impacting vaccination efforts in New Jersey?
Last Updated: 02/22/2021
Due to winter weather on February 18, the Bergen County, Burlington County, Middlesex County, and Morris County megasites closed. In addition, the Gloucester County megasite rescheduled all appoint...
Learn MoreIs there any help available if I have a problem registering for the vaccine with the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System?
Last Updated: 02/22/2021
If you experience an error or need support with the New Jersey Vaccine Scheduling System, you can:
Complete an online form at covid19.nj.gov/vaccinehelp
Call 1-855-568-0545 for phone support
Due ...
Learn MoreHow do COVID-19 vaccines work?
Last Updated: 02/08/2021
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 ...
Learn MoreWhat is the State doing to protect residents and staff of nursing homes or long-term care facilities?
Last Updated: 01/29/2021
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 ...
Learn MoreHow can I avoid vaccine scams?
Last Updated: 01/21/2021
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.
As COVID-19 vaccine distribution begi...
Learn MoreWhen should I quarantine? What’s a risky activity? How long do I have to stay home?
Last Updated: 01/05/2021
You should quarantine and stay at home away from others 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 h...
Learn MoreAre COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective? How were they tested and approved?
Last Updated: 12/29/2020
COVID-19 vaccines that are authorized for use have gone through clinical trials involving tens of thousands of participants to determine their safety and efficacy.
The known and potential benefits ...
Learn MoreShould I get a flu shot?
Last Updated: 12/04/2020
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.
Although flu vaccination is recommended before the end of ...
Learn MoreCOVID 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...
Learn MoreCOVID 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,...
Learn MoreCOVID 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...
Learn MoreCOVID Alert NJ: Overview
Last Updated: 09/30/2020
What is COVID Alert NJ?
COVID Alert NJ 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 for COVID-...
Learn MoreCOVID Alert NJ: Technical Specifications and User Experience
Last Updated: 09/30/2020
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...
Learn MoreCOVID 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...
Learn More
Official Site of the State Of New Jersey
