As of yesterday morning, the state reported that 724,371 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in New Jersey. The total amount of COVID-19 shots given in the state has now eclipsed the cumulative reported number of COVID-19 cases in our state. As weeks and months go by, that gap will continue to grow. Unfortunately, the demand of the vaccine still exceeds the supply. Reports of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials give many of us hope in the state’s ability to quickly ramp up vaccine distribution in the next couple of months. Although Johnson & Johnson has not yet been granted Emergency Use Authorization, the vaccine only requires one dose and does not require cold-chain storage (according to the company). It has also been reported that this particular vaccine targets every currently known variant of COVID-19. While most of us are focused on vaccine delivery and distribution, the state is continuing to monitor the spread of B.1.1.7, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, that originally emerged in the United Kingdom. As of yesterday, there were 11 reported cases in NJ. Two of these cases are in Morris County. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website states that this variant spreads more easily and quickly than other variants. There is still a lot unknown about this variant, but early studies indicate that there is also a higher degree of in mortality associated this variant. For more information on the new variants of the virus that cause COVID-19, please visit the CDC<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html&… Website. With reports of this new variant in our state, is it more important than ever to keep up social distancing, wearing a mask, and practicing good hand hygiene. Also, if you are sick, please stay home. As more information about Vaccine Distribution and COVID-19 comes out, we will continue to keep you updated. New Jersey’s COVID-19<https://covid19.nj.gov/> information hub is also a great resource for information and to view frequently asked questions. Have a good weekend and stay safe, Sarah Neibart Mayor, Mendham Township