The nation is just days away from the first COVID-19 vaccination being distributed, now that an expert panel has given their stamp of approval for emergency-use authorization of Pfizer’s two-dose shot. It comes not a moment too soon, the number of newly infected residents is still on the rise. On Friday, state health leaders reported 38 hundred new confirmed cases… more than 390 thousand total...and 55 more deaths. The hospitalization rate has increased every day this week, more than 3 thousand 500 patients as of last night.

Gov. Phil Murphy says data from our hospitals will inform decisions on future restrictions. Our neighboring states are already taking aggressive action. New York joined Pennsylvania Friday in shutting down indoor dining beginning as early as the weekend. Despite nearly a dozen bars and restaurants recently having their alcohol licenses suspended for violating COVID-19 rules, the governor says no shutdowns just yet.

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NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi is a nightly news program that airs weekdays on NJTV that covers local New Jersey news. Be sure to share with us your story ideas, feedback and tips about news in your neighborhood: https://bit.ly/32zwJDT

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