We are currently experiencing a rise in cases which reflects the surge we are seeing statewide and nationwide. Our region continues to be in high community transmission, and will remain so through the next several weeks, with cases in NJ expected to peak mid January. Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. The Health Departments’ goal is to encourage and increase opportunities for COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters to all eligible in our area.
Message to the Community:
COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Scientists are currently investigating Omicron, including how protected fully vaccinated people will be against infection, hospitalization, and death.
CDC recommends that everyone 5 years and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated. CDC recommends that everyone ages 18 years and older should get a booster shot at least two months after their initial J&J/Janssen vaccine or six months after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series of Moderna and everyone ages 16 years and older get a booster of Pfizer-BioNTech.
Masks offer protection against all variants. CDC continues to recommend wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status. Hopewell Valley is
As we prepare to enjoy the holiday season, it is important that we all work together to manage our individual risk, reduce transmission, and preserve hospital capacity. Our Health Departments are urging community members to take five simple steps to travel smart and keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities safe:
- All eligible, unvaccinated people should get vaccinated immediately. Data suggest that the vaccine is protective against severe disease caused by the Delta, and potentially Omicron, variants.
- All eligible, fully vaccinated people should get a booster. Because the protection vaccine confers has been found to wane over time, a booster will help prevent severe disease and help keep hospital beds open for those who may need them.
- Wear a mask in all indoor settings to help limit the transmission of the virus to others. Individuals should also hold events outside whenever possible, and improve ventilation in spaces where people may be gathering.
- Get tested before congregating, even if you feel well, to make sure you are not unknowingly transmitting the virus to others.
- Travel smart – wear a mask, get tested before traveling, and make sure you are up-to-date on your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations before you leave. This will help protect you from serious disease and from potentially transmitting the disease to others.
Let’s celebrate the holidays safely and help protect ourselves and others while we enjoy those things that bring us together this time of year.
Case Counts for December 3 – 16, 2021
Hopewell Township: 63 new cases
Hopewell Borough: 1 new cases
Pennington Borough: 4 new cases
Age ranges of new cases within Hopewell Valley
| Age Range | Number of cases |
| 0 – 19 | 23 |
| 20 – 29 | 12 |
| 30 – 39 | 5 |
| 40 – 49 | 9 |
| 50 – 59 | 11 |
| 60 – 69 | 5 |
| 70 – 79 | 3 |
| 80 + | 0 |
