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Testing and Contact Tracing in New Jersey

Our first responders and health care workers are saving lives every day – and so can you. Your family, your friends, your neighbors – their lives are literally in your hands. So here's how you can do your part:

  • Get a Booster – Studies show immunity wanes over time with COVID-19 vaccines, increasing the risk of getting a breakthrough infection and spreading it to others. To protect yourself and your loved ones, get a booster shot at any vaccination location. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get an updated COVID-19 bivalent booster that targets the Omicron variant, if it has been at least two months since your most recent booster or primary series. Learn more.
  • Get Vaccinated - Everyone 6 months or older is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine in New Jersey and encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing you from getting sick. They are one of the most important tools to ending the COVID-19 pandemic and getting back to what you love. Appointments and walk-in vaccinations are available near you. Learn more.
  • Get Tested – Testing is available to everyone in New Jersey. It's especially important to get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms, have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, are in high-risk settings where screening testing is implemented, plan to be in contact with someone at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, or have plans for travel. Find a testing location near you.
  • Answer The Phone When A Contact Tracer Calls – You've been called because you tested positive for COVID-19 or may have come into close contact with someone who has. Contact tracers are calling with life-saving information that will keep you, your loved ones, and your community healthy.
  • Add Your Phone to the COVID Fight. Download the COVID Alert NJ App - The app is 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-19. COVID Alert NJ uses Bluetooth proximity technology, never records any identifying data, and all users will remain anonymous. Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Below you will find more information about how contact tracing works, where to find free testing, steps we're taking to protect your privacy, and what you can do to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

  • What happens if I test positive? How long do I need to stay home?

    Last Updated: 09/28/2022
    If you tested positive for COVID-19 or are waiting for test results (regardless of vaccination status, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic): ISOLATE AT HOME: Stay away from people and pets for at ...
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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 can I get free, public COVID-19 testing or treatment?

    Last Updated: 03/27/2023
    Free COVID-19 testing is available at many locations across the state. Below, you can find a list of free public testing locations in New Jersey by county, including short-term pop-up testing sites...
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  • How can I get food or other essentials if I cannot leave my home? Is there any help with food, treatment, or bills if I need to self-isolate or quarantine? Will I get fired?

    Last Updated: 11/09/2021
    If you are quarantined or in home isolation, do not leave your home. There are many programs in place to help you and your family including food assistance, unemployment insurance, sick leave, and ...
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  • What types of benefits or assistance are available to me during the coronavirus outbreak?

    Last Updated: 03/02/2022
    Health Insurance: If you do not have health insurance, or lose coverage, you may be eligible for free or low-cost coverage through NJ FamilyCare, New Jersey's publicly funded health insurance progr...
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  • Where is COVID-19 in New Jersey? How many cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have there been?

    Last Updated: 02/06/2023
    The Department of Health is maintaining a dashboard with information about COVID-19 cases in New Jersey including case counts, variants, hospitalizations, and deaths by location. The dashboard also...
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