Menendez, Booker Announce $591M to Expand COVID-19 Testing, Vaccine Distribution in NJ

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) was awarded $591,502,656 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expand COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution across the state. The Senators helped secure this funding in the COVID-19 spending package that passed in December.

“As cases continue to rise across New Jersey, these vital federal funds will ensure our state can keep up with testing demands and distribute the vaccine efficiently,” said Sen. Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy. “These steps will help us save lives and defeat the virus once and for all. Although we’re beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, we must stay vigilant and continue wearing masks and practice social distancing. I also encourage those eligible to sign-up immediately to receive a vaccine.”

“As New Jersey continues to handle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critically important that a coordinated response be built on a partnership between federal and state agencies,” said Sen. Booker. “This federal funding will help our state invest in expanded testing and vaccine distribution, while also helping to build a more resilient healthcare system that serves the health and well-being of New Jerseyans.”

“The New Jersey Department of Health is grateful for this substantial investment in public health initiatives that will support our response to COVID-19,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “These funds will support expansion of testing, contact tracing and prevention of COVID–19, as well as build capacity that will provide the foundation for addressing future infectious disease outbreaks.”

$511,244,494 is allocated to support the state’s COVID-19 testing capacities, contact tracing and containment and mitigation efforts. $80,258,162 will go towards the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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