“Our metrics are trending in the wrong direction, and new data suggests the delta variant is more transmissible even among vaccinated individuals, which is why we are making this strong recommendation,” Gov. Phil Murphy and New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said in a joint statement.

The Biden administration set up the Shuttered Venue Operator Grant program to assist such establishments that had to close their doors during the pandemic, and then endure months of capacity restrictions after reopening.

“Being open 100% means absolutely nothing without a workforce of 100%,” said Michele Siekerka, head of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.

The owner of the Ocean County business was charged in connection with an alleged scheme to provide false payroll information to obtain lower premiums on workers’ compensation coverage, Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck announced July 26.

With roughly 5.24 million people who live, work or study in New Jersey having gotten the shot or shots, vaccine hesitancy has brought new rates of inoculation against the virus to a virtual standstill.

Under the pilot version of the Micro-Lender Support Grant, lenders can get up to $200,000 to expand their products for New Jersey businesses, including through technical support, added underwriting capacity and the addition of new staff.

The state’s support is a vital first step toward making it available for federal funding and creating the legal standing to hold property owners - like those that polluted the river - financially responsible for clean-up costs.

Every community water system throughout New Jersey would have six months to take stock of its lead service lines and replace them within 10 years--the same pipes found in communities like Newark, where hundreds of thousands of students were affected by high levels of the element found in drinking water at the city’s schools.

The aid includes $55 million to microbusinesses, $15 million to bars and restaurants, $10 million to child care facilities, $10 million to arts and culture groups, and $45 million to other small businesses and nonprofits. 

As of July 21, the state logged 655 new cases of the virus. Hospitalizations rose above 300 for the first time in a month and new cases hit peak levels not seen since May, according to data from the New Jersey Department of Health.

The Elizabeth Development Co., through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, is granting access to training opportunities in the construction industry and will assist with job placement in North Jersey thanks to the new initiative.

As part of the Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program, run by the NJEDA, businesses and nonprofits hit by the pandemic can apply for loans of up to $100,000, which last 10 years with a 0% interest rate and deferred payments for the first two years.