>>> FUNDING IS PROVIDED BY LETTER AND JM INSURANCE GROUP, SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

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♪ >> THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH RIHANNA.

>> GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

I AM MICHAEL HILL IN FOR RIHANNA.

THE CORONAVIRUS, NOT DETECTED HERE BUT IN NEIGHBORING STATES OF PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK, EPIDEMIOLOGISTS SAY THEY ARE NO MORE MARYLAND THAN THE ONES THAT HAVE KILLED NEARLY 20,000 IN NEW JERSEY AND CLOSE TO 400,000 IN AMERICA.

THE NEW MUTATIONS WORRY HEALTH OFFICIALS BECAUSE THEY FEAR THE STRAINS WILL LEAD TO SPIKES IN CASES.

THIS IS AS STATES ARE STRUGGLING TO VACCINATE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AND TO PUT THE EARLIER STRAINS IN CHECK.

>>> IN NEW JERSEY, 3500 NEWLY DIAGNOSED CASES ARE REPORTED.

MORE THAN 568,000 ARE IN TOTAL.

23 MORE DEATHS HAVE HAPPENED.

HOSPITALIZATION NUMBERS ARE STABLE, DOWN SLIGHTLY AT JUST MORE THAN 3400.

THIS IS A GOOD SIGN TWO WEEKS POST HOLIDAY ACCORDING TO THE STATE HEALTH COMMISSIONER.

>>> THE STATE IS FACING CRITICISM FOR THE PACE OF THE VACCINE ROLLOUT.

MORE THAN 366,000 DOSES ADMINISTERED AS OF TODAY.

THIS INCLUDES MORE THAN 40,002ND DOSES.

THE LINES ARE LONG AND GROWING FOR BOTH THE SUPPLY AND THE DEMAND OF COVID-19 VACCINES.

THIS IS AS MORE CONTAGIOUS STRAINS OF THE VIRUS EMERGE.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS ANSWERING THE CALL ROLLING UP ITS SLEEVES TO GET VACCINATED.

STATES DEMAND AND WAIT FOR A LOT MORE SHIPMENTS OF THE VACCINE.

IN THE MEANTIME, THERE IS ENOUGH SUPPLY APPARENTLY FOR AROUND TWO INJECTIONS.

TODAY, THE GOVERNOR AND HEALTH COMMISSIONER WENT BACK TO WITNESS 103-YEAR-OLD MILDRED CLEMENTS GETTING HER SECOND DOSE.

OUR SENIOR CORRESPONDENT REPORTS.

>> Reporter: [ APPLAUSE ] 103- YEAR-OLD MILDRED CLEMENTS, THE FIRST NEW JERSEY NURSING HOME PATIENT TO GET VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19.

SHE RECEIVED HER SECOND DOSE TODAY.

THE STATE CONTINUES ITS EFFORTS TO INOCULATE RESIDENCE.

AT LEAST 90% OF THE STAFF, RESIDENTS HERE AT THE ROOSEVELT CARE CENTER ALSO PLAN TO GET SHOT NUMBER TWO.

THIS IS AS VACCINE SUPPLIES STRUGGLE TO MEET DEMAND ACROSS THE STATE.

>> PRETTY SOON, I WILL BECOME COMPLETELY IMMUNE TO THIS DISEASE.

I HOPE THEY MAKE ENOUGH SOON SO THAT EVERYBODY WILL GET A SHOT.

>> SECOND DOSES WILL BE GIVEN.

THEY WILL BE GIVEN ON TIME.

I CANNOT ASSURE THAT INCREASING NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO GET THEIR FIRST DOSE.

>> Reporter: THAT IS A PROBLEM THE HEALTH COMMISSIONER SAID.

AFTER THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ADMITTED ITS STRATEGIC RESERVE OF VACCINE WAS SERIOUSLY DEPLETED, THE STATE OVER THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS CANNOT COUNT ON LARGER VACCINE SHIPMENTS.

INSTEAD, NEW JERSEY WILL EXPECT ITS REGULAR ALLOTMENT OF 100,000 DOSES A WEEK.

THAT CRIMP IN THE PIPELINES CREATED A STATEWIDE VACCINATION APPOINTMENT BOTTLENECK AND AT THE WORST POSSIBLE MOMENT.

NEW JERSEY AND OTHER STATES ARE RUSHING TO VACCINATE AS MANY PEOPLE WITH RENEWED URGENCY AS A MUTATED STRAIN OF THE VIRUS IS SPREADING RAPIDLY ACROSS THE UNITED STATES AND HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN WESTCHESTER.

IT IS NOT MORE LETHAL THAN THE CURRENT STRAIN BUT IT IS FAR MORE CONTAGIOUS.

THE SO-CALLED UK VARIANT HAS NOT BEEN POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED HERE IN NEW JERSEY, NEITHER HAVE NEW SOUTH AFRICAN OR BRAZILIAN COVID-19 MUTATIONS.

HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE ASSUMING THAT THE UK VERSION AT LEAST IS ALREADY HERE.

>> IN BRITAIN, IT HAS PRETTY MUCH REPLACED THE OLD VIRUS.

IT IS PREDICTED THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN HERE IN THE U.S.

WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR TWO.

THERE WILL BE MORE INFECTIONS AND MORE INFECTIONS MEANS MORE ILLNESS AND MORE DEATH.

>> Reporter: THE RATE OF TRANSMISSION IN NEW JERSEY IS 1.12.

THE VIRUS IS SPREADING HERE.

CASE NUMBERS AND DEATHS HAVE BEEN CLIMBING.

HOSPITALIZATIONS REMAIN STABLE FOR THIS TIME.

IT IS MOSTLY SENIORS WHO ARE DYING.

>> ASYMPTOMATIC TRANSMITTERS ARE PERHAPS AFFECTING OLDER, VULNERABLE ADULTS.

THAT IS WHO IS ENDING UP IN THE HOSPITAL.

THE MORTALITY IS SIGNIFICANT.

>> WHEN THE VACCINE BECOMES AVAILABLE, PEOPLE SHOULD GET VACCINATED.

BOY, IF EVER THERE WAS A CALL FOR PEOPLE TO PUT ASIDE VACCINE HESITANCY, IF WE CAN GET YOU KNOW, THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF THE POPULATION VACCINATED; WE WOULD BE IN VERY GOOD SHAPE AND COULD BE EVEN THE MUTANT.

>> Reporter: VACCINE HESITANCY WAS AN ISSUE INITIALLY AMONG STAFF AT ROOSEVELT.

IT LOGGED ZERO COVID-19 CASES TODAY.

THERE HAVE BEEN FOUR COVID-19 DEFICITS MARCH.

SINCE THE FIRST DOSES WERE GIVEN, SIDE EFFECTS LIKE SORENESS HAVE BEEN MINIMAL.

ADMINISTRATORS HOPE THAT WILL CONVINCE 10% OF STAFF HOLDOUTS TO TAKE THE VACCINE.

>> 10% WILL COME BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE SEEN THAT OVER THREE WEEKS, 200 VACCINE HAVE BEEN ADMINISTERED AT THIS FACILITY.

WE HAD ZERO INCIDENTS.

THAT IS WHERE THE COMMON THEME FOR THE STAFF MEMBERS COME IN.

>>> WE ARE SEEING A RISING NUMBER OF SECOND DOSE INJECTIONS TAKING PLACE.

AS BRENDA REPORTED, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS ARE GETTING THEIR FIRST.

WITH THIS COMES A RISING NUMBER OF QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT COVID- 19 VACCINATIONS MEAN.

THIS IS IN TERMS OF PROTECTION FROM CONTRACTING THE VIRUS.

MONTCLAIR STATE EPIDEMIOLOGIST STEPHANIE JOINS US TO ANSWER SOME OF THOSE QUESTIONS.

DR., THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

HELP US CLEAR SOME OF THE MYTHS AND WHAT PEOPLE MAY BE THINKING ABOUT GETTING THE FIRST OR SECOND DOSE OF THE VACCINE.

YOU STILL NEED TO WEAR A MASK, YOU STILL NEED TO SOCIAL DISTANCE, IS THAT RIGHT?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS WHY PEOPLE NEED TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES THAT WE HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW.

ONE IS THAT NO VACCINE IS 100% EFFECTIVE.

EVEN THE MODERNITY AND PFIZER VACCINES, THEY SHOWED 95% EFFICACY.

THIS MEANS THAT ONE OUT OF 20 PEOPLE WHO ARE VACCINATED WILL STILL DEVELOP SEVERE DISEASE.

THE OTHER, I THINK IMPORTANT THING FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN VACCINATED TO REMEMBER IS THAT THE VACCINE DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMEDIATE PROTECTION.

MOST OF THESE VACCINES ARE NOT EFFECTIVE RIGHT AWAY.

IT TAKES ABOUT TWO WEEKS FOR YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM TO MAKE THE RIGHT ANTIBODIES THAT BLOCK VIRAL INFECTIONS.

BECAUSE BOTH THE MODERNITY AND PFIZER VACCINES REQUIRE TWO DOSES, THAT WOULD MEAN THE COMPANY WHO IS VACCINATED TODAY WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED FULLY IMMUNIZED ARE FULLY PROTECTED UNTIL MARCH 1.

SO, THOSE ARE SOME OF THE INITIAL BIG REASONS.

I THINK IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO POINT OUT THAT MASKS PROTECT PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT VACCINATED.

THIS IS FOR WHATEVER REASON.

YOU KNOW, THEY ARE CLOSE ENOUGH ON THE ELIGIBILITY LIST, NOT YET.

PEOPLE WITH IMMUNE SYSTEMS THAT ARE CONSUMMATED, CANCER PATIENTS ARE PARTICULARLY AT RISK FOR BOTH BEING INFECTED AND DYING FROM COVID-19.

WEARING YOUR MASK, THIS PROTECTS THOSE INDIVIDUALS AS WELL.

FINALLY, WHAT I WILL SAY IS THAT WE ARE SEEING A NUMBER OF NEW STRAINS OF THE VIRUS.

WE DO NOT KNOW HOW THE VACCINE WILL IMPACT THOSE STRAINS.

WE KNOW THAT MASK, DISTANCING, AND AVOIDING CROWDS WORKS.

>> SUPPOSE SOMEONE HAS HAD COVID-19 AND SURVIVED IT.

THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO HAVE HAD MILD CASES OF IT AND MODERATE CASES.

SHOULD THEY GET A VACCINE AS WELL?

>> RIGHT NOW, THE RECOMMENDATION IS THAT YES, THEY SHOULD STILL CONTINUE TO GET THERE VACCINE.

WE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THE LONG- TERM IMMUNITY THAT IS PROVIDED FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE DEVELOPED ANTIBODIES NATURALLY.

GETTING THE VACCINE IS PART OF THIS PROGRAM.

IT IS CONSIDERED VITALLY IMPORTANT.

>> THERE SEEMS TO BE A SLOW ROLLOUT OF THE VACCINE.

I THINK A LOT OF IT SEEMS TO HAVE TO DO WITH THE GOVERNMENT NOT PROVIDING THE KIND OF VACCINES IN NUMBERS.

HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THIS?

WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS NOW FOR NINE, 10, 11 MONTHS OR SO.

>> SO, ONE THING I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND EVERYBODY.

WE ARE ALL ANXIOUS TO GET THROUGH THIS.

DEVELOPING A VACCINE AND DISTRIBUTING IT THEN LESS THAN A YEAR IS REALLY A TREMENDOUS EFFORT.

IT IS EX CREDIBLY FAST FOR MOST VACCINATION PROGRAMS.

THAT SAID, THE ROLLOUT HAS BEEN UNFORTUNATELY VERY SLOW.

WE SIMPLY IN NEW JERSEY DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH DOSES OF THE VACCINE TO GIVE TO EVERYBODY WHO IS ON THE ELIGIBLE LIST RIGHT NOW.

GOVERNOR MURPHY EXPANDED THAT TO INCLUDE ABOUT 3.5 MILLION PEOPLE FOR WHOM WE HAD ABOUT 144,000 DOSES.

WE WERE EXPECTING THE FLOODGATES TO OPEN FROM THE NATIONAL STOCKPILE.

APPARENTLY, THIS DOES NOT EXIST.

SO, REALLY, FROM THE TOP DOWN, THE FEDERAL RESPONSE TO THIS PANDEMIC HAS BEEN AN UNMITIGATED DISASTER.

>> DR. STEPHANIE FROM MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY, EPIDEMIOLOGIST.

THANK YOU DR. >> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>>> AND EVACUATION AND LOCKDOWN AT THE INAUGURATION REHEARSAL AT THE U.S. CAPITOL TODAY TURNS OUT IT WAS NOT A SECURITY BREACH OR THREAT.

IT WAS A FIRE AT A HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT.

SCENE FROM THE CAPITAL, IT HAPPENED AMID HEIGHTENED TENSIONS.

THE FBI CONDUCTS BACKGROUND CHECKS ON MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD, POURING INTO THE NATION'S CAPITAL FOR WEDNESDAY'S INAUGURATION, THE FBI IS CHECKING TO SEE IF ANY GUARD MEMBER HAS ANY ALLEGIANCE TO OR AFFILIATION WITH ANY EXTREMIST GROUPS.

OVER THE WEEKEND, ANTICIPATED ARMED PROTESTS IN STATE CAPITALS DID NOT MATERIALIZE.

ALL WAS QUIET IN TRENTON.

THIS IS AMONG THE CAPITALS STILL ON THE TRACK FOR PROTESTS.

>> Reporter: BAYOU NOON YESTERDAY, ALL THE TRUMP SUPPORTERS WHO WOULD SHOW UP FOR A DEMONSTRATION HAD COME AND GONE.

JUST A HANDFUL OF MEN, ONE LEFT BEHIND A SIGN IN LIEU OF PROTEST.

THE BLOCKED OFF STREETS WERE EXPECTED TO BE OVERRUN WITH PROTESTERS, DECRYING THE RESULTS OF AN ELECTION THAT THEY WERE WRONG WAIT TOLD WAS STOLEN FROM THEM.

INSTEAD, A LOAN BIKER AND A HANDFUL OF COUNTER PROTESTERS WHO REGULARLY FOLLOW EXTREMIST GROUPS FROM NEW JERSEY AROUND THE COUNTRY.

THIS IS LIKE DARRELL JENKINS, FOUNDER OF ONE'S PROJECT.

>> I THINK WHAT HAPPENED ON THE SIX IN PARTICULAR SCARED A LOT OF THEM.

IT HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER CHARLOTTESVILLE.

AFTER CHARLOTTESVILLE, A LOT OF THEM DID NOT REALLY FEEL LIKE COMING OUT.

THOSE THAT DID WERE MET WITH 40,000 PEOPLE THE FOLLOWING WEEK, IN BOSTON.

>> Reporter: YOU DID NOT SEE IT, THE POLICE PRESENCE IN AND AROUND TRENTON WAS CLEAR.

THEY WERE ON HIGH ALERT.

PLAINCLOTHES OFFICERS AND UNMARKED CARS CIRCLED THE PERIMETER THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND INTO THE EARLY EVENING.

WHILE NOTHING MATERIALIZED, THAT SUBTLE PRESENCE WAS BY DESIGN SAID TRENTON MAYOR.

>> WE DO NOT WANT TO CAUSE ANY FRICTION.

IF THERE WERE PROTESTERS, USUALLY IF THEY SEE LAW ENFORCEMENT, THEY BECOME AGITATED BOTH WAYS.

WE CANNOT REALLY TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED.

WE HAVE HAD ALL LEVELS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLECTIVELY WORK ON THIS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.

FROM LOCAL POLICE, THE COUNTY SHERIFF, THE STATE POLICE, AND EVEN THE FBI ARE PRESENT.

>> Reporter: SINCE THE STORMING OF THE CAPITAL, THE FBI HAS BEEN MONITORING THREATS TO ALL 50 STATE CAPITALS, WARNING OF ATTACKS SIMILAR TO THE DEADLY INSURRECTION AT THE NATION'S CAPITAL.

ACROSS THE NATION THIS WEEKEND, ALL WAS QUIET.

UNTIL THIS MORNING, STAFFERS IN WASHINGTON DC RAN TO SAFETY AFTER BEING EVACUATED FROM THE INAUGURATION REHEARSAL.

THE CAPITAL COMPLEX WAS CLEARED DUE TO A SECURITY THREAT ACCORDING TO THE FBI.

IT TURNED OUT TO BE SMOKE PLUMES FROM A NEARBY FIRE.

WASHINGTON REMAINS ON EDGE.

THE NATIONAL GUARD HAS DEPLOYED 25,000 TROOPS TO DC THIS WEEK AHEAD OF WEDNESDAY'S INAUGURATION.

EACH OF THOSE TROOPS IS BEING VETTED BY THE FBI BECAUSE THERE IS GROWING CONCERN THAT AN ATTACK COULD COME FROM WITHIN.

SPARKED BY THE NUMBER OF POLICE AND MILITARY ENGAGED IN THE ATTEMPTED COUP TWO WEEKS AGO, THIS HAPPENED.

TWO NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN LINKED TO THE ATTACK, THE FIRST IS TIMOTHY, AN ARMY RESERVIST WHO IS AN ALLEGED WHITE SUPREMACIST AND SYMPATHIZER.

HE HAS A SECRET SECURITY CLEARANCE AND ACCESS TO A VARIETY OF MUNITIONS ACCORDING TO THE FEDERAL CHARGES BROUGHT AGAINST HIM.

THE SECOND IS THOMAS, HE WAS ALSO CHARGED AFTER RECOUNTING HIS AS ACTIONS INSIDE THE CAPITAL TO THE MEDIA.

>> WE TORE THROUGH THE SCAFFOLDING, THROUGH FLASH BANGS AND TEAR GAS.

WE BLITZED OUR WAY IN THROUGH ALL OF THE CHAMBERS.

>> Reporter: IT IS POSSIBLE MORE PEOPLE IN NEW JERSEY WILL BE IDENTIFIED.

STATE AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES ARE DOING EVERYTHING THAT THEY CAN TO KEEP TRENTON SAFE.

IT COULD BE THAT THE COORDINATION OF STATE, LOCAL, AND COUNTY POLICE TOGETHER WITH THE FBI AFFORDED THE EFFORTS OF SOME PROTESTERS OR THAT THE EVENTS AND ARRESTS IN WASHINGTON DISSUADED SOME NEW JERSEY GROUPS FROM CONTINUING TO TRY TO OVERTURN THE ELECTION.

WITH THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN THIS WEDNESDAY, LAW ENFORCEMENT WILL BE ON HIGH ALERT FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS.

IN TRENTON, I AM JOANNA, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> WHAT IS BEHIND THE HUGE NUMBER OF GUN PERMIT APPLICATIONS THAT IS CONDUCTING DELAYS?

GUNSHOTS ARE FINDING IT HARD TO KEEP THEIR SHELVES STOCKED.

WHAT IS BEHIND THE SOARING GUN PERMIT APPLICATIONS?

>> I GREW UP NEAR GUN STORES, I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS MANY PEOPLE.

>> Reporter: THE PARKING LOT OF THIS GUN STORE WAS JAMPACKED.

THE OWNER DECLINED A REQUEST TO FILM BECAUSE OF THE VOLUME OF CUSTOMERS.

THE SAME RESPONSE WILL BE COLD OTHER SHOPS.

ONE ANSWERING THE SCENE ADVISED CUSTOMERS: >> WE ARE RECEIVING SHIPMENTS DAILY OF FIREARMS AND AMMO.

ITEMS COME AND GO QUICKLY.

>> Reporter: A MAN WANTED TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS.

HE GOT HIS PERMIT THIS SUMMER AND WAS BUYING A GUN FOR THE FIRST TIME.

>> I HAVE A FEELING THAT THE SECOND AMENDMENT IS GOING TO BE STRIPPED AND THEY ARE MAKING IT HARDER AND HARDER FOR LAW- ABIDING PEOPLE TO GET GUNS.

MEANWHILE, THE CRIMINAL STILL HAVE THEM.

ALL OF THESE PEOPLE THAT ARE TRYING TO GET RID OF GUNS HAVE ARMED GUARD PROTECTION.

IT IS RIDICULOUS.

THE HYPOCRISY IS RIDICULOUS.

>> PEOPLE ARE PURCHASING GUNS AT A RATE THAT PEOPLE HAVE NOT SEEN BEFORE.

WE ARE 40 OR 60% ABOVE AND AN EVEN HIGHER PERCENTAGE ABOVE FOR PERMIT REQUESTS.

>> Reporter: MORE THAN 102,000 PEOPLE APPLIED FOR A PERMIT IN 2019.

THIS IS COMPARED TO MORE THAN 442,000 PEOPLE IN 2020.

THE MORE THAN 300% INCREASE IS EVIDENT.

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NEW JERSEY GUN VIOLENCE RESEARCH CENTER AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY SAYS THAT THE DATA IS ALARMING.

>> THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS THAT WILL PREDICT A SURGE IN FIREARMS SALES, ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY, UPCOMING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, IN 2020, YOU ALSO HAVE THE PANDEMIC.

YOU HAVE THE RACIAL JUSTICE MOVEMENT.

>> Reporter: ALEXANDER IS PRESIDENT OF THE NEW JERSEY SECOND AMENDMENT SOCIETY.

>> PEOPLE ARE BUYING GUNS BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED THAT THE DEMOCRATS ARE GOING TO GET THEIR WAY, THE LEFT SPECIFICALLY.

THE POLICE ARE GOING TO BE DEFUNDED.

THAT IS WHY INDIVIDUALS ARE TAKING UP THEIR RIGHT TO SELF- DEFENSE.

THEY WANT TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AND PROPERTY.

>> Reporter: THE SEARCH HAS BEEN GOING UP FOR YEARS WITH A PEAK IN JUNE 2020.

IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE VIOLENCE THAT THE CAPITAL.

>> THIS IS A SHALLOW ATTEMPT ONCE AGAIN BY THE ANTI-GUN LEFT TO DEMONIZE GUN OWNERS BY CALLING US PARANOID.

WE ARE CALLED AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT.

>> Reporter: AN INCREASE IN GUN SALES COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE OF SUICIDES.

>> A GUN DOES NOT MAKE SOMEONE SUICIDAL FAIR.

THE DATA FROM MY LAD AND A PAPER SHOWS THAT THE FOLKS WHO PURCHASED DURING THE SURGE ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE LIFETIME, PAST MONTH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS THAT ARE NON-GUNNERS OR GUN OWNERS WHO DID NOT BUY DURING THE SURGE.

YOU MIGHT SEE A COHORT THAT IS IN SOME WAYS DIFFERENT FROM A LOT OF OTHER FIREARM OWNERS.

>> TWO THIRDS OF GUN DEATHS ARE SUICIDE.

NEW JERSEY NUMBERS TELL A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT STORY.

>> Reporter: THIS FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST IS A SPECIALIST IN FIREARM RELATED EVALUATIONS.

>> THE IDEA THAT THE PANDEMIC WOULD HAVE LED TO A BOOST IN GUN SUICIDES BECAUSE OF THE INCREASED GUNS IN THE HOMES, WE HAVE NOT SEEN THAT.

WHAT WE HAVE SEEN IS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN HOMICIDES WITH GUNS.

THAT HAS GONE UP 30%.

>> WITH AN INCREASE OF FIREARMS IN THE HOME, AND A LOT OF FOLKS WHO ARE LESS FAMILIAR WITH HOW TO STORE THEM SAFELY, YOU SEE THE RISK OF EVERY POTENTIAL NEGATIVE GUN VIOLENCE OUTCOME YOU COULD THINK OF.

>> OUR DIVISION HAS SKYROCKETED WITH 4000 STUDENTS, FIRST-TIME GUN OWNERS, GOING AND GETTING TRAINING IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS.

THAT PERFECTLY DEMONSTRATES THAT PEOPLE WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.

THEY WANT TO LEARN HOW TO SAFELY USE A FIREARM.

THEY ARE GOING OUT THERE AND GETTING THE PROPER TRAINING.

>> Reporter: WITH THE INAUGURATION TWO DAYS AWAY, ALL SIGNS OF THE GUN DEBATE WILL BE WATCHING THE FIRST 100 DAYS FOR ANY CHANGES IN EITHER SIDE.

THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> TWO REPUBLICANS HAVE BACKED OUT A RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR THIS YEAR.

NOT FORMER STATE LAWMAKER JACK WHO CAME UP SHORT IN GETTING HIS PARTY'S NOMINATION FOUR YEARS AGO AND TO ANNOUNCE HIS CANDIDACY EIGHT MONTHS AGO.

ARCHIE POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT GOES ON THE RECORD TO TALK ABOUT THE POPULAR INCUMBENT HE IS UP AGAINST AS HE CONTINUES TO DISTANCE HIMSELF FROM PRESIDENT TRUMP.

>> THE REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

YOUR ARRIVAL DOUG STEINHARDT DROPPED OUT OF THIS RACE ABOUT A WEEK AND A HALF AGO.

I THOUGHT AT THE TIME, WHAT A GIFT!

HOW DID YOU SEE IT?

>> WELL, LISTEN MICHAEL, I DO NOT MIND THE COMPETITION.

IF SOMEBODY WANTS TO GET IN THE PRIMARY, GET IN THE PRIMARY.

I APPRECIATE DOUG'S EFFORTS AS STATE CHAIR IN ADVANCING REPUBLICAN PENCILS AND HOLDING PHIL MURPHY ACCOUNTABLE.

>> Reporter: HE ANNOUNCED THAT AT ABOUT 24 HOURS AFTER THE RIOT IN THE CAPITAL, HE IS SUCH A STAUNCH PRO-TRUMP SUPPORTER, ONE HAD TO WONDER WHETHER THERE WAS A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE RIOT AND THE TRUMP SUPPORTER FEELING THAT MAYBE HE COULD NOT DEFEND TRUMP FOR ONCE.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

>> WELL, THERE IS A LOT OF SPECULATION AS TO WHAT HAPPENED IN WASHINGTON LAST WEEK FACTORED INTO DOUG'S DECISION.

LISTEN, THERE ARE REPUBLICANS THAT ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING THE PRESIDENT IN THE EYE.

THERE ARE THOSE THAT RUN IN THE TRUMP LANE.

MY FOCUS IS NEW JERSEY AND PHIL MURPHY.

>> Reporter: NONETHELESS, YOU HAVE HAD TO NAVIGATE THE TRUMP QUESTION IN YOUR FOUR YEARS AS A CANDIDATE.

NOW, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO NAVIGATE IT QUITE AS MUCH WITH STEINHARDT OUT OF THE RACE.

IT WILL NOT BE A LOT OF FRICTION OVER WHETHER TRUMP HAS BEEN A GOOD PRESIDENT OR NOT.

AM I RIGHT?

>> WELL, LISTEN, I DO NOT THINK IT IS ANY SECRET THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN A FAN OF THE PRESIDENT'S PERSONALITY.

HIS POLICIES DID WORK FOR THE NATION.

WHAT I AM EXCITED ABOUT IS IN 2021, THERE ARE ONLY TWO GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS IN THE COUNTRY.

THESE ARE IN NEW JERSEY AND VIRGINIA.

I AM EXCITED FOR THE PEOPLE OF NEW JERSEY.

WE HAVE A 10 MONTH RUNWAY WITH A TWO HORSE RACE.

I AM CONFIDENT AT THE END OF THOSE 10 MONTHS, THE PEOPLE OF NEW JERSEY WILL HAVE FAITH IN ME TO FIX WHAT IS BROKEN.

>> Reporter: WHAT IS THE CASE AGAINST PHIL MURPHY?

>> WELL, PRE-PANDEMIC, HE WAS TWO YEARS INTO HIS ADMINISTRATION AND FAILED TO ADDRESS THE WORK CRISIS THAT RAVAGED THE MIDDLE-CLASS IN OUR STATE.

WE KNOW WHAT THOSE CRISIS ARE.

IT IS THE PROPERTY TAX CRISIS, THE BUSINESS CLIMATE CRISIS.

BOTH ARE THE WORST IN THE NATION.

THE PUBLIC PENSION IS THE SECOND WORST IN THE NATION AND THE WAY WE DO AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE STATE IS A PROBLEM.

WE NEED LOW INCOME HOUSING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, SENIORS, THE DISABLED AND VETERANS.

THIS ONLY MAKES THE PROPERTY TAXES HIGHER THE WAY WE DO IT.

OF COURSE, HANDLING THE PANDEMIC, NURSING HOMES, THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND PARTICULARLY ON MAIN STREET, MOM AND POP SHOPS AND WITH REGARD TO OUR SCHOOLS, ALL ALONG OUR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS, THOSE CHILDREN THAT LIVE BELOW THE POVERTY LINE AND DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET AND SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS, THOSE THREE STUDENT POPULATIONS NEED TO GET BACK TO SCHOOL.

>> Reporter: THE THING ABOUT YOU AND THE ELECTION, IT SEEMS THAT YOU ARE STILL GOING TO HAVE TO BRING THE TRUMP BASE OUT.

IN MY RIGHT?

>> HERE IS WHAT I KNOW MICHAEL.

ALL 1.4 MILLION REPUBLICANS IN THIS DATE AGREE ON ONE THING.

THAT IS THAT PHIL MURPHY SHOULD NOT HAVE A SECOND TERM.

MY JOB IS TO CONVINCE THE UNAFFILIATED AND INDEPENDENT VOTERS AND SOFT DEMOCRATS THAT I CAN DO A BETTER JOB THAN PHIL MURPHY.

REPUBLICANS ARE THE MAJORITY IN THE LEGISLATOR.

THEY CAN DO A BETTER JOB IN TERMS OF HELPING PEOPLE OUT WITH PROBLEMS THAT THEY FACE EVERY SINGLE DAY IN THE STATE.

>> Reporter: THIS IS THE REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE.

THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> THE FOCUS ON COBIT RISKS IN SCHOOLS HAS BEEN ON STUDENTS AND TEACHERS.

THIS IS ALMOST TO THE POINT OF IGNORING OTHER ESSENTIAL SCHOOL WORKERS LIKE BUS DRIVERS AND CUSTODIANS.

SOME OF THEM HAVE DIED FROM THE VIRUS.

THEY EARNED A FRACTION OF WHAT TEACHERS MAKE AND WITHOUT THE PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY OF A UNION LIKE THE LETTER NJTK.

RAVEN SANTANA REPORTS THAT THEY DO HAVE SOME RECOURSE.

>> MY BIGGEST FEAR IS GETTING COVID-19.

BUT, YOU KNOW, I JUST THINK I AM DOING THE RIGHT THING.

>> Reporter: THIS CUSTODIAN SAYS THAT WHILE A LOT OF THE FOCUS HAS BEEN ON THE SAFETY OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS, SHE SAYS CAFETERIA WORKERS, BUS DRIVERS, AND CUSTODIANS ARE ALSO AT RISK AS SCHOOLS RETURN TO IN PERSON LEARNING.

>> WE HAVE TO CLEAN AFTER A CHILD OR TEACHER.

IF THEY HAVE COVID-19, WE GO IN AND WE DO RISK OUR LIVES, CLEANING AFTER THEM.

DEFINITELY, WE ARE NOT COMPENSATED FOR THE RISK PART.

>> Reporter: SHE WORKS FOR THE BRIDGEWATER REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT.

WHILE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS STAYED HOME, SUPPORT STAFF PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE, CLEANING FURNITURE.

HER FEELINGS ARE SCARED BY THE THE FLEMINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT CUSTODIAN.

AT THE PEAK OF THE PANDEMIC, KNOW ABOUT OF PPE COULD CARVE HER NERVES.

>> Translator: WE ARE ESSENTIAL WORKERS AND WE ARE HELPING TO KEEP SCHOOLS OPEN AND CLEAN.

I FEEL PEOPLE THINK THAT BECAUSE WE ARE THE ONES DOING THE CLEANING, WE ARE THE ONES CARRYING THE VIRUS AROUND.

THAT IS NOT THE CASE.

WE SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED AND HAVE MORE PROTECTIONS FOR THE RISKS WE TAKE.

>> Reporter: WHILE MOST FULL- TIME SUPPORT STAFF HAVE UNION REPRESENTATION AND HEALTH INSURANCE, PART-TIME WORKERS MAY NOT, LEAVING THEM MORE VULNERABLE TO GETTING SICK AND HAVING NO PROTECTIONS.

>> YOU HAVE A MUCH BETTER CHANCE OF A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWSUIT FOR BEING IMPROPERLY VENTILATED THAN YOU WOULD FOR SUING A SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR EXPOSING AN EMPLOYEE TO COVID-19 .

>> Reporter: JONATHAN COHEN IS THE FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER AT THIS LLC.

IT REPRESENTS FIVE DIFFERENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

HE SAYS HIS FIRM HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS AND UNION OBJECTIONS.

NO LEGAL ACTION REGARDING COVID- 19 EXPOSURE HAS HAPPENED.

>> THERE ARE CASES THAT ARE BEING FILED.

THEY ARE FOR DISCRIMINATION AND FAILURE TO PROVIDE LEAVE TO SOMEBODY IN A COVID-19 LEAVE SITUATION.

THE WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUITS HAVE BEEN COMING IN.

I THINK THIS WOULD BE AN EXPENSIVE LITIGATION.

IF YOU LOOK INTO THIS TYPE OF CASE, YOU HAVE TO ANSWER DOCTORS, SCIENTISTS AND PROVE CAUSALITY.

YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY A LOT OF PEOPLE FOR THAT.

>> Reporter: THIS LAW SCHOOL PROFESSOR SAYS THAT THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION OTHER THAN ATTEMPTING TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION.

>> THE GOOD NEWS FOR EMPLOYEES IS THAT IF THEY COULD DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY ACQUIRED COVID-19 THROUGH WORK, THIS WOULD PROBABLY BE THE TYPE OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE THAT WOULD QUALIFY FOR THEM TO RECOVER.

THE BAD NEWS FOR EMPLOYEES IS THAT WORKER'S COMP.

MEANS THAT YOU CANNOT SUE THE EMPLOYER EVEN IF THE EMPLOYER DOES SOMETHING WRONG.

>> Reporter: IT MIGHT BE AN UPHILL BATTLE TO PROVE THAT YOU CONTRACTED COVID-19 AT THE WORKPLACE, IT IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE.

FOR THOSE WANTING TO MOVE FORWARD LEGALLY, HE SUGGESTS THAT YOU CONTACT A LAWYER TO SEE IF YOU HAVE A SOLID CASE.

I AM RAVEN SANTANA FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

♪ >>> THAT DOES IT FOR US TONIGHT.

HEAD OVER TO OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL OF OUR REPORTING COVERING THE GARDEN STATE AND CHECK OUT SOCIAL PLATFORMS.

I AM MICHAEL HILL IN FOR RIHANNA.

FOR THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US AND HAVE A GREAT AND SAFE NIGHT.

♪ >>> THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD, BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND, COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW LONG-TERM, SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

>>> NJ INSURANCE COMPANY HAS BINGE SERVING POLICYHOLDERS FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

WHO ARE THE POLICYHOLDERS?

THEY ARE THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO KEEP THE GARDEN STATE GROWING.

THEY ARE BUSINESS LEADERS, THE CARETAKERS OF OUR HISTORIC LANDMARKS.

THEY ARE THE CUSTODIANS OF OUR PUBLIC SAFETY.

THEY ARE THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE OUR STATE A GREAT PLACE TO CALL HOME.

NJM, WE HAVE GOT NEW JERSEY COVERED.

♪