The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations has fallen to the lowest levels during the entire pandemic, according to data released June 11 by the New Jersey Hospital Association.

That comes as daily cases and the speed of the virus’ spread craters, and vaccinations steadily progress. June 13 marked the ninth day in a row with less than 300 new  daily cases of COVID-19, according to data from the New Jersey Department of Health.

According to the NJHA – the trade group for the 71 acute-care hospitals in New Jersey – state hospitals reported caring for 385 COVID-19 patients as of June 11. Those numbers marked “the lowest number on record since New Jersey began formally tracking COVID hospitalizations,” the NJHA said.

“[T]his milestone represents a steady, sustained decline that signals to us that New Jersey may finally be putting the worst of this pandemic behind us,” reads a statement from Cathy Bennett, president and chief executive officer at the NJHA.

State health data from June 13 showed 377 confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients in the state’s hospitals.

Hospitalizations peaked at nearly 8,300 COVID-19 patients in April 2020, when hospitals were overwhelmed and, according to the NJHA, “were converting cafeterias and conference rooms into new patient units.”

Gov. Phil Murphy ordered a ban on elective medical procedures at that time to funnel resources toward the pandemic response.

4.7 million by June 30

Widespread vaccination efforts are key to permanently lifting COVID-19 restrictions on businesses and public gatherings that were initially put into place in March last year to halt the spread of the virus. A final tranche of reopenings went into effect the morning of June 4. Masks and social distancing are no longer required for indoor settings for anyone fully vaccinated.

Murphy’s self-imposed goal calls for having 4.7 million New Jersey adults fully vaccinated within the next 16 days – by June 30. So far, 4.38 million people who live, work or study in the state have gotten the full vaccine regimen.

After the 4.7 million-person milestone, Murphy said that public health officials will turn their attention toward people in the 12 to 16-year-old age group. Efforts to encourage that final round of vaccinations include incentives, perks, bringing vaccine sites to local communities, like religious establishments, and outreach on African American and Hispanic neighborhoods that have been far more hesitant to get the vaccine.

“With vaccination increasing, we are once again able to enjoy the social activities and the greater freedoms that signal a return to normalcy,” Bennett continued. “The data is clear – New Jersey is on its way back.”