SOUTH JERSEY – The CDC released a statement on March 24th about the effect of COVID on tuberculosis (TB) trends in the United States. The statement was made in response to preliminary data published earlier that day, which revealed TB disease diagnoses fell 20% in 2020 and remained 13% lower in 2021 than they were prior to the pandemic.

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. – As state and local levels of COVID remain low, the Food Bank of South Jersey continues to expand their scope through developing vaccine initiatives and education webinars in Burlington, Gloucester, Camden, and Salem Counties. While COVID may not directly relate to food, Rose Gaano, Food Equity Program Manager, says that the Food Bank shares a holistic outlook in their approach of looking at the overall health of people. The Food Bank of South Jersey also collaborates with c

SOUTH JERSEY — Governor Murphy finally lifted mask mandates on March 7th for the first time since the pandemic began in 2020. Just a little over a month later though, it seems that the restrictions might come back into place, at least temporarily, as new cases arise amidst the spread of the newest BA.2 Omicron sub-variant.

SOUTH JERSEY – Just as the world has started to move forward from the last two years of the pandemic and most recent surge of the virus this past winter, the new BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron has gained prevalence across the globe. As the mutation infects a new wave of people, New Jersey shows no exception to the global trend. Last week, the state experienced a spike in cases and hit 2,730 new cases in a single day on April 14th. This represents one of the highest numbers the state has reported s

SOUTH JERSEY – When Governor Phil Murphy removed mask mandates on March 7, many were thrilled to take off the face coverings. For some though, this sudden and major shift presented an unexpected level of discomfort and fear. Adolescents, who already experience extremely high levels of hormonal and developmental changes during this time, were particularly susceptible to an increase in anxiety that hasn’t been as easily tossed as a worn paper mask.

SOUTH JERSEY – The CDC recommended the COVID vaccine for children as young as six months old through four years old on June 18. This represents the last age group to get approval for the drug. For many parents, this represents a monumental moment that will allow them peace of mind regarding their child’s safety in school and daycare as institutions and workplaces return back to being in-person. Up until now, young infants and toddlers have had no guaranteed protection against the virus.

SOUTH JERSEY — Since the pandemic started, mental health has emerged to the forefront of mainstream conversation and gained a new level of importance in American culture. Given the unprecedented nature of the COVID era, this marks a necessary societal shift that was vital for people to get through this challenging time.

SOUTH JERSEY – Despite rising numbers of COVID, and a potential new variant on its way that the vaccine doesn’t protect against, concern has shifted towards the latest infectious disease, called monkeypox. The virus carries similar symptoms as smallpox, but tends to present itself as a less severe version. Although originally discovered in 1958, the latest outbreak of monkeypox began a few weeks ago and has begun to spread around the world.

SOUTH JERSEY — Just as the COVID pandemic begins to decrease in severity and numbers, the conversation has shifted to monkeypox, the latest infectious disease outbreak that is making its way around the world. According to a published report from the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 21, the outbreak began just over a couple weeks ago on May 13 and was confirmed on May 21, to infect 92 people in 12 countries, including nine European countries, the US, Australia, and Canada.

SOUTH JERSEY – When it comes to assessing the damage of the pandemic, there’s no way to calculate the suffering of one person and compare it to someone else’s. While every age group struggled over the last two years in some capacity, the harmful long-term effects may not be distributed equally. As humans are resilient, the majority of the population will hopefully bounce back from this two-year lull that seems to have finally passed over. For children with disabilities though, the last two year

While the long term effects of the pandemic remain unresolved for the time being, one remains clear — the workplace landscape changed. With a new emphasis on individualism, remote work becoming the new norm, and an employee shortage emerging from over 38 million Americans leaving their jobs in 2021. It’s clear that Americans are shifting their standards and expectations in what they are searching for from their work.

CHERRY HILL, N.J. — During National Nurses Week, which took place May 9th to 13th, Wawa visited 10 hospitals to serve hot coffee to those healthcare heroes who serve their communities. The Wawa Community Care Coffee Vehicle visited Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital this past Wednesday, May 11, 2022 – the only South Jersey hospital to be included in the 2022 Nurses Week “Coffee & Care Tour”. Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital was the only hospital in South Jersey chosen for a visit from the Wawa Commun

SOUTH JERSEY — When Governor Murphy lifted mask mandates on March 7th, the decision was considered a monumental moment for the state. After all, most people can agree that quality of life is significantly better without face coverings and social distancing guidelines. Children are now able to attend school without masks, large events can take place, and people can interact with friends and family outside their immediate bubble again.

Gov. Phil Murphy gave his final COVID-19 briefing on Friday, March 4th as the virus transitions from a global pandemic to an endemic, and New Jersey shifts from a state of crisis management back towards a more normal way of life again.

After recently releasing the mask mandate in New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy and NJ Department of Health Commissioner, Judith Persichilli, released a statement on Thursday, March 17th to address the recent rise in COVID cases on a global scale. Due to an increase in travel and ongoing international trade, Murphy stated in the announcement that the increase will most likely reach New Jersey at some point as well.

As the recent omicron wave continues to trail off, South Jersey continues to demonstrate a low number of new cases throughout the state. Brian Sweeney, President and COO Of Jefferson Health New Jersey, said South Jersey is now in the most favorable position. He attributed the region’s success to two essential pieces. First, he emphasized the importance of communication between federal and state government agencies, as well as the New Jersey Hospital Association. This collaboration was crucial during times when facilities were over occupancy limits and supplies were low.