1 Year Into The Pandemic, How Did New Jersey Do? [Patch Survey]

NEW JERSEY — This month marks one year since the coronavirus pandemic began. Since then, more than 21,500 New Jersey residents have died from COVID-19 and more than 754,800 have tested positive for the virus.

Over the past year, schools, businesses, entertainment venues and sports teams have had to adapt to safety precautions. Friends and families have been separated to avoid spreading the virus. With spring around the corner and vaccines being administered, though, conditions appear to be improving.

As of the latest data available Thursday, New Jersey had administered more than 3.2 million coronavirus vaccines.

If the past year has been a blur to you, here's a look back at some milestones in New Jersey's fight against the coronavirus:

• March 9: Governor Phil Murphy declares a state of emergency.
• March 10: The first COVID-19 death is reported.
• March 10: Schools are closed.
• March 16: A statewide curfew is imposed.
• March 24: A statewide stay-at-home order is enacted.
• April: COVID cases crest in New Jersey.
• May 2, 2020: State Parks and Forests reopen for passive recreation.
• May 26, 2020: Elective surgeries and invasive procedures, both medical and dental, resume.
• June 9, 2020: Stay-at-home order lifted and limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings increased.
• June 15, 2020: Child care centers reopen their doors to all clients. New Jersey enters phase 2.
• June 22, 2020: Limit on outdoor gatherings increases to 250 people.
• June 29, 2020: Indoor portions of retail shopping malls reopen.
• July 3, 2020: Limit on outdoor gatherings increases to 500 people
• July 6, 2020: Youth day camps and summer programs can operate.
• Sept. 4, 2020: Restaurants may resume indoor dining at limited capacity subject to mandatory health and safety protocols
• Sept. 1, 2020: Limit for indoor gatherings that are religious services or celebrations, political activities, wedding ceremonies, funerals, or memorial services increases to 25 percent capacity with a maximum of 150 people.
• Dec. 5, 2020: Indoor practices and competitions for youth and adult sports paused
• Dec. 7, 2020: Limit on outdoor gatherings decreases to 25 people
• Jan. 2, 2021: Indoor practices and competitions for youth and adult sports resumes
• Feb. 5, 2021: Indoor bars and restaurants, casinos, gyms, and personal care businesses can operate at 35 percent capacity.
• Feb. 5, 2021: Indoor dining allowed after 10 pm
• Feb. 5,2021: Limit for indoor gatherings that are religious ceremonies or services, wedding ceremonies, political activities, memorial services or funerals, as well as performance venues and addiction support groups, increases to 35 percent capacity, with a maximum of 150 people.
• Feb. 12, 2021: Two parents or guardians per athlete may attend indoor or outdoor youth sports practices and competitions.
• Feb. 22, 2021: Indoor religious services and celebrations, including wedding ceremonies, funerals, and memorial services that involve a religious service, may be held at 50 percent of a room's capacity.
• Feb. 22, 2021: Two parents or guardians per athlete may attend indoor or outdoor collegiate sports practices and competitions.

Take Patch's Survey

Patch wants to get your thoughts on how things have gone in New Jersey over the past year and learn about your plans for the spring as more people get vaccinated.

The survey is meant not to be a scientific poll, but only to give a broad idea of public sentiment. Share your thoughts with Patch in our survey, embedded below:

With reporting by Shannon Antinori of Patch