Chatham COVID-19 Update: Early Vaccinations, Hospital Capacities

CHATHAM, NJ — Here are the latest coronavirus updates around Chatham.

Cases and Vaccinations

Chatham Borough reported its highest weekly total with 37 people testing positive for COVID-19 from Jan. 1 through last Thursday. Borough officials have reported 282 cases and nine deaths since the pandemic began.

Meanwhile, Chatham Township Mayor Tracy Ness reported 29 new cases in the township from Jan. 1 through Monday. Ness didn't release a death toll. County officials have tallied 298 cases to date in Chatham Township.

The state Health Department says 19,335 vaccine doses have been administered in Morris County as of Wednesday afternoon. Morris County has an estimated population of 491,845, and the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines each require two doses per person.

Recent Updates

• Brighter days are ahead for Juniper Village at Chatham. Phyllis Campbell, 95, led the way Monday as all residents and staff received COVID-19 vaccinations. MORE.
• Nursing staff for the School District of the Chathams began receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Officials hope that New Jersey will make all school staff eligible for vaccines soon, Superintendent Dr. Michael LaSusa said at Monday's Board of Education meeting. MORE.
• Data released this week by the federal government shows how close Morris County hospitals are to reaching capacity amid the unprecedented demands of the coronavirus pandemic. MORE.

Here's what else you should know:

• Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Wednesday that New Jersey will expand COVID-19 vaccine distribution to seniors over the age of 65 and others with medical conditions, and he's going to add more sites for immunization. MORE.
• Murphy has warned residents that they should assume a quicker-spreading strain of the coronavirus is in New Jersey, even if the state has yet to confirm its presence. MORE.

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