Last Updated: May 3, 2024
In May 2023, the Centers for Disease Control ended the Federal Covid-19 Public Health Emergency. Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, there have been significant advancements in testing, vaccinations and treatment which have all resulted in reduced case rates and overall improved outcomes for those affected by Covid-19.
Throughout the United States, Covid-19 has become endemic, which means cases of Covid-19 now have a normal presence in the community. As such, Covid-19 is treated like other diseases which are transmitted person to person such as the flu or the common cold. Importantly, although Covid-19 is now considered endemic, common sense precautions to prevent disease transmission should continue to be implemented. These precautions include staying home when sick, washing your hands frequently and staying up to date on vaccinations in order to protect yourself and your family and others in your community.
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control revised guidelines and eliminated the requirement for the 5-day isolation period of those who test positive for Covid-19. The New Jersey Department of Health has revised their guidelines for certain community settings, such as long-term care facilities, schools and child care centers to coincide with the revised CDC guidelines. These community settings are recommended to follow the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) guidelines posted at the following links:
- For long-term care facilities, please refer to the NJDOH COVID-19 Response Checklist for Nursing Homes and other Post-acute Care Settings.
- For schools and child care centers, please refer to the NJDOH Respiratory Virus Guidance for K-12 Schools, Youth Camps, and Early Care and Education Programs.
For more information, please check the CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance and the CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance FAQ.
Vaccinations:
- Mercer County Health Department Vaccination Clinics
- COVID and Flu Vaccines Available for Uninsured/Underinsured Individuals
- Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines
Visit Vaccines.gov to find a vaccine near you.
Testing:
- No-Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator (CDC) https://testinglocator.cdc.gov/Search
- UPDATE: The expiration dates for several COVID-19 at home test-kits have been extended, such as manufacturers like BinaxNOW, Flowflex, iHealth Labs, etc. The expiration label may have a different expiry date than what is listed on your product. Please see below for more information on the extended shelf-life:
- FDA - At Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests
- BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test Product Expiry Date
- If you have further questions regarding COVID-19 at home test kits, please contact the West Windsor Health Department at (609) 936-8400.
Information & Resources:
- 2024 Rapid Public Health Assessment
- Click Here for the NJ Department of Health’s COVID-19 Weekly Surveillance Reports
- Project Firstline Infection Control Trainings Available
Important Links: