Metrics like new daily cases, the positivity rate among tests, fatalities and the rate of transmission - or how fast the virus spreads - have also climbed over the summer as the delta variant drives surges of the virus among those in the state who are not vaccinated.

Restaurateurs and caterers around the state admit to feeling a sense of anxiety about the effects of the delta variant on their businesses, as delays in restoring supply chains and labor shortages continue to plague the industry and hinder its full recovery.

Gov. Phil Murphy assured that patrons can still carry about business as usual. “Just be smart about travel and what your posture is when you’re in transit and when you get” to your destination, the governor said Aug. 9.

The state is still looking at other avenues to improve inoculation rates with both carrot and sticks, but the governor stopped short of saying whether he would follow New York City's lead and require the shot to take part in most public activities.

A nationwide poll from Monmouth University shows largely divided reactions to the latest development of the pandemic based on political affiliation.

The spread of the delta variant could slow down the national and state-level economic recovery. But an economic downturn of the magnitude of what occurred in March and April last year is unlikely, according to many economic experts. “The general view is it wouldn’t be anything like last year,” said Charles Steindel, the state’s former chief economist.

The 361-bed Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck was widely regarded as among New Jersey’s first epicenters of the COVID-19 pandemic. And so while CEO Michael Maron contends the latest surges in the delta variant are indeed worrisome, they’re by no means a reason to “create an alarmist narrative,” which he’s seen circulating in public.  “This to me is one of the real concerns I have,” he said in an interview. “There’s a lot of misinformation.”