Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday that all New Jerseyans ages 16 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on April 19 — two weeks before the expected target date for the announcement.
Murphy, speaking at his COVID-19 briefing, said the vaccination numbers indicate the new date is possible.
“Given the trajectory we are on, we believe this is the right time to put our program into high gear,” he said.
As of Monday morning, the state’s COVID-19 website indicated there were nearly 1.8 million fully vaccinated New Jerseyans. Murphy said that means the state is 38% to his stated goal of 4.7 million fully vaccinated adults by June 30.
The state site also indicated that just over 3 million residents had received at least one dose.
The news comes on a day the state was broadening eligibility, making all those 55 and older plus numerous other sector classifications — including many classifications of frontline workers — eligible.
Murphy also announced Monday the state was eliminating travel restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated. They no longer will be asked to test and quarantine upon arrival into the state.
