The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Another 24 Franklin residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, the township Office of Emergency Management reported on March 15.
That brings to 4,865 the number of Franklin residents who have tested positive for the virus since mid-March, 2020, OEM reported.
The deaths of 198 Franklin residents have been attributed to the virus, OEM reported.
Note: These are the latest reported numbers for positive test results and deaths, as of the date indicated. These numbers may change, due to periodic inaccuracies in the reporting method. The Franklin Reporter & Advocate has no opportunity to check these numbers in real time.
Free COVID-19 and antibody testing and free flu shots are being offered 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Sunday in March at Franklin Middle School, 415 Francis Street. Open to all, insured and uninsured, symptomatic and asymptomatic.
Walk-ins are accepted, but registration is suggested. To register for March 21, click here, and to register for March 28, click here.
Testing clinics are sponsored by Franklin Township, Franklin Township schools and the Franklin Township Interfaith Council.
Catholic Charities is providing free COVID-19 testing 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday in March at Unity Square, 81 Remsen Avenue, New Brunswick. Insurance is suggested but not required.
Somerset County had been providing weekly drive-through testing clinics at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) until Jan. 27 when the site was repurposed to administer COVID vaccinations. Future COVID testing will be available at mobile sites through support from municipal governments, and partnerships with non-profits.
Residents with additional questions about Somerset County’s COVID testing and vaccination programs can call 908-231-7155where assistance is provided in any language the caller is comfortable with.
Information about area test sites can be found at https://bit.ly/AreaSites20 or https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing.
Test sites can also be found online by visiting the New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub at https://covid19.nj.gov/testing.
COVID-19 Vaccination Sites
New Jersey will roll out COVID-19 vaccines in a phased approach to all adults who live, work, or are being educated in the State. COVID-19 vaccines are available in hospitals and clinics across New Jersey. You can reserve your spot to get a vaccine by pre-registering in the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System*Answer some questions to determine when you are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Pre-Register with NJ State for the Vaccine
- Learn More About COVID-19 Vaccination
- How do COVID-19 vaccines work?
- Are COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective? How were they tested and approved?
- How will New Jersey distribute a COVID-19 vaccine? Is there a plan?
- Where, how, and when can I get vaccinated? – NJ COVID-19 Vaccine Locations For Eligible Recipients
COVID-19 vaccines are now available in New Jersey for certain qualified recipients, including healthcare workers, residents and staff of long-term and congregate care facilities, sworn law enforcement, fire professionals, and other first responders, individuals over 65, and individuals 16-64 with certain medical conditions as defined by the CDC. –updated 1/22/21
Click here to learn if you are eligible for the vaccine.
If you are eligible but have not yet been notified about available appointments in the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System, you may also make an appointment directly with many of the designated vaccination sites across the state listed here.
NJ-COVID-19-Vaccine-Locations.pdf (newjersey.github.io)
Appointments are limited. All listed vaccination sites may not have open appointments available immediately. The federal supply of vaccine to New Jersey remains limited. However, the list is updated frequently and new sites will be added continually. Please return to this page again if you are unable to currently schedule an appointment.
Note: The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for persons 16 years of age and older under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization, however the Moderna vaccine is recommended for individuals 18 years and older. Not all sites administer both vaccines, so it is important to check with your vaccination site before scheduling a visit to ensure you are eligible.
The township OEM says that the best way to protect yourself and your family from this coronavirus and other diseases is to follow simple daily health precautions:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Stay at home unless you are essential or seeking essential services.
The New Jersey Department of Health is providing information to residents and has set up a 24/7 public hotline with the New Jersey Coronavirus & Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
