>>> FUNDING PROVIDED BY NJM INSURANCE GROUP.

SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS AND AND HORIZON BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF BLUECROSS AND BLUESHIELD ASSOCIATION .

>>> FROM NJ PBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

SPAMBOT GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

I'M BRIANA VANNOZZI.

TODAY IS THE DAY, MASKS CAN COME OFF AND SOCIAL DISTANCING TAKES A BACKSEAT IN MOST PUBLIC PLACES FOR VACCINATED RESIDENTS.

A NEW BEGINNING AFTER 14 MONTHS AFTER TIGHT RESTRICTIONS AND CAPACITY LIMITS ON JUST ABOUT EVERYWHERE WE GO, ALL IN TIME TO KICK OFF MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, ALLOWING RESTAURANTS, BARS, RETAIL AND INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT VENUES TO WELCOME BACK CUSTOMERS IN A BIG WAY AND MAKE UP FOR LOST REVENUE DURING THE PANDEMIC, EVEN THOUGH INDIVIDUAL BUSINESSES CAN CHOOSE TO KEEP THE REQUIREMENT BUT THE STATE WON'T MANDATE IT, GOVERNOR MURPHY IS ENCOURAGING UNVACCINATED RESIDENTS TO GET THE SHUTTER KEEP THEIR MASCOT AND WITH CLOSE TO 4.2 MILLION RESIDENTS FULLY VACCINATED AND MORE THAN 4.8 MILLION WHO HAVE RECEIVED AT LEAST ONE SHOT.

MURPHY HAS CONTINUED BACKLASH OVER THE DECISION TO KEEP THE MANDATES IN PLACE UNTIL NOW.

GUIDELINES, HE SAID, WERE NEEDED TO STOP THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS.

379 NEW CONFIRMED CASES IN 12 MORE DEATHS BEING RECORDED TODAY, DESPITE THE GLOOMY WEATHER, BUSINESSES WERE READY AND OPEN, HOPING TO TURN A PAGE ON A YEAR THEY WOULD OTHERWISE RATHER FORGET.

>> FREE AT LAST.

>> IT'S ABOUT TIME.

>> Reporter: MOSTLY UNMASKED AND WORRY FREE, A MEMORIAL DAY CROWD BRAVED A BRISK BREEZE ON THE BOARDWALK TO KICK OFF THE FIRST SUMMER SEASON DOWN THE SHORE.

>> IF THEY MAKE ME WEAR LASTS, I WILL PUT IT ON BECAUSE I'M HUNGRY, OTHERWISE, I WOULD WALK OUT.

>> I'M HAPPY THEY ARE GONE.

>> Reporter: SOCIAL DISTANCING SIGN STOOD IN THE CORNER, NO LONGER NEEDED WITH INDOOR RESTRICTIONS LIFTED FOR FULLY VACCINATED FOLKS.

MOST VENUES WELCOMED BAREFACED CUSTOMERS WHERE BUT NOT BETTY'S BOMBSHELLS, THE DESIGNERS ONLY HAD SHOT AT THE MODERNA VACCINE.

>> OF THE RESPECTIVE LIVES AND DOLLARS, I'M DOING THE RIGHT THING FOR MY CUSTOMERS AND THEY KNOW THAT.

>> THESE CUSTOMERS DIDN'T MIND A BIT.

>> WE WILL GO SHOPPING AND BE POLITE TO ANYONE ELSE WHO MIGHT BE WORRIED ABOUT IT.

>> WE ARE VACCINATED BUT WE STILL DO IT ANYWAY OUT OF RESPECT.

>> WE HAVE BEEN LOCKED UP FOR A YEAR, I GET IT, WE ARE ALL EXCITED BUT WE ALSO HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT NOT EVERYBODY IS IN THE SAME BOAT.

>> Reporter: OVER AT THE LOUNGE, THIS OWNER ALSO TOOK DOWN RESTRICTION SIGNS FROM AROUND HER RESTAURANT PICK KITCHEN STAFF, MOSTLY IN MASKS PREPPED FOR DINERS BUT THEY ARE EXPECTING FEWER CUSTOMERS GIVEN A COLD AND RAINY FORECAST THROUGH SUNDAY.

THEY ACTUALLY WELCOME THE RAIN.

>> IT IS OKAY, I'VE NEVER IN 30 YEARS PRAYED FOR AND NOT GREAT WEEKEND ON A HOLIDAY, BUT I REALLY, MY FOCUS IS TO KEEP MY STAFF HEALTHY.

>> I FEEL A LITTLE NERVOUS ABOUT THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE PUBLIC BECAUSE WE ARE SO UNDERSTAFFED AND WE CAN'T REALLY PROVIDE THE SERVICE WE HAVE IN THE PAST.

RE/MAX SERVERS HAVE A CARD THEY CAN USE COMMENTS AS, THIS TABLE CLOSED DUE TO STAFFING VORTEX.

THEY PUT THE CARD ON THE TABLE AND AUTOMATICALLY, SEATING IS LIMITED.

>> I HAVE LEFT IT UP TO MY STAFF, IF THEY DON'T FEEL LIKE THEY CAN HANDLE IT, PEOPLE ARE URGED TO WEAR MASKS IF THEY CAN PICK >> IF YOU ARE NOT VACCINATED, THE VISITING NURSE IS OFFERING FREE COVID-19 SHOTS AT THREE MONEYMAN COUNTY VENUES.

>> FISHER NATIVE BRINGS VACCINATIONS TO THE PEOPLE WHO MIGHT NOT HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET A VACCINE.

HERE AT THE JERSEY SHORE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, THE OFFICIAL KICKOFF TO THE SUMMER, IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH BUSY SCHEDULES.

>> Reporter: THE FORECAST RAINED OUT COUPLE OF OUTDOOR CONCERTS AND MANAGEMENT IS NOT BOOKING ANY GIGS INDOORS EITHER YET TO.

INSTEAD, CUSTOMERS WILL BE WELCOMED OUTDOORS AT THE SOUTH SIDE.

GUARDING, NO MASKS REQUIRED.

GRAB YOUR BEER AND FOOD FROM THE BAR.

>> I'M JUST THANKFUL WE MADE IT THROUGH AND WE ARE HERE, OUR FANS ARE COMING BACK BIG TIME ACCORDING TO TICKET SALES.

PEOPLE WANT TO BE BACK IN HERE LIVE MUSIC AGAIN.

>> Reporter: SHE SAYS LIVE MUSIC IS IN A REPLACEABLE TRADITION DOWN THE SHORE.

BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> THE NEW RULES ARE NOT ENTIRELY CLEAR CUT EITHER.

THERE ARE A LOT OF EXCEPTIONS FOR THE MANDATE LIKE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND EVEN SOME PRIVATE BUSINESSES IN THE GUIDANCE IS STILL LESS STRICT OUTDOORS THAN IN ANNE STATE LEADERS MAINTAIN THE RIGHT TO REVERSE AT ALL AT ANY TIME IF INFECTION RATES BACKSLIDE.

WE ASKED IN EPIDEMIOLOGISTS, HOW TO NAVIGATE WHAT IS SAFE TO DO THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

>> BIG WEEKEND, BUT HOW DO YOU KEEP IT ALL STRAIGHT?

SO MUCH HAS CHANGED REALLY JUST IN THE LAST WEEK OR TWO, SO MANY RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED.

>> THERE IS BEEN A LOT OF CHANGE AND REALLY OVER THE PAST MONTH, I WOULD SAY, WITH NO MASKS OUTDOORS AND NO MASKS INDOORS.

I THINK THE KEY TO REMEMBER IS WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE VACCINATED IS REALLY WHAT WILL GUIDE HOW YOU BEHAVE, OR AT LEAST IT SHOULD.

IF YOU ARE FULLY VACCINATED, TWO WEEKS PAST YOUR DOSE THAN YOU ARE, RIGHT NOW, PRETTY SAFE TO BE BOTH OUTDOORS AND INDOORS WITHOUT A MASK, IF YOU CHOOSE.

WE HAVE TO ALSO RECOGNIZE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE FULLY VACCINATED MAY BE IMMUNO COMPROMISE AND MAY CHOOSE TO KEEP THEM ON WHEN THEY ARE INDOORS WITH PEOPLE THEY DON'T LIVE WITH BACK IF YOU ARE UNVACCINATED, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ARE SAFE AND GO ENJOY YOURSELF AT THE BEACH, WALKING DOWN THE BOARDWALK, BUT IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE INDOORS WITH PEOPLE YOU DON'T LIVE WITH OR IN LARGE CROWDS, THE VIRUS IS STILL CIRCULATING AND YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR MASK ON IN THOSE SITUATIONS EVEN THOUGH IT'S NO LONGER MANDATED.

>> TWO WEEKS OUT, IF YOU'RE JUST GETTING VACCINATED TODAY, THIS DOES NOT NECESSARILY APPLY TO YOU.

>> IT IS TWO WEEKS AFTER YOUR FINAL DOSE, SO YOU ALSO HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IF YOU ARE GETTING MODERNA, THAT IS SIX WEEKS AFTER YOUR FIRST DOSE.

IF YOU ARE GETTING IT TODAY, YOU ARE NOT LOOKING AT FULLY IMMUNIZED UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF JULY.

FOR THOSE BREAKTHROUGH CASES, MOST OF WHAT WE HAVE BEEN SEEING BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND DOSE.

>> ARE WE STILL IN THE SAME PLACE WITH DATA AND RESEARCH, THAT OUTDOORS REALLY IS THE SAFEST AND IN ADDITION TO THAT, OF COURSE, IF YOU ARE IMMUNO COMPROMISE, MASKS OUTDOORS STILL A GOOD IDEA?

>> OUTDOORS WILL BE A MUCH SAFER ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE INCREASE VENTILATION DECREASES THE RISK OF TRANSMISSION, THAT GOES FOR BOTH OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND INDOOR IF YOU'RE ABLE TO KEEP THE WINDOWS AND DOORS ( >> WE HAVE BEEN HEARING ANECDOTALLY FROM A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE PULLING OFF THE BAND-AID, LIKE REMOVING THEIR MASKS FEELS SUDDEN NOW AFTER 14 MONTHS OF IT , IS THAT SURPRISING IN A WAY?

MOSTLY, PEOPLE HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING TO WEAR MASKS ALL THIS TIME.

>> I THINK WHEN WE THINK ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR, WE DON'T LIKE CHANGE.

SO, WE FOUGHT WEARING MASKS AND THEN PEOPLE SLOWLY GOT USED TO WEARING THEM AND NOW IT'S A BIG, SUDDEN SHIFT AGAIN.

I THINK THERE WILL BE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE FALLING VACCINATED WHO WILL NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE GOING INTO A MALL OR GROCERY STORE WITHOUT A MASK FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND I THINK THAT IS FAIR.

I THINK WE NEED TO LET PEOPLE IN THESE SITUATIONS BE COMFORTABLE.

WE ALSO NEED TO RECOGNIZE THAT EVEN IF YOU ARE FULLY VACCINATED, IF YOU LIVE WITH SOMEONE WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE BECAUSE THEY ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 12 OR FOR A MEDICAL REASON, THOSE INDIVIDUALS MIGHT WANT TO CONTINUE TO WEAR A MASK TO KEEP THEIR FAMILY IS A LITTLE BIT EXTRA SAFE.

>> HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, THANKS FOR TALKING TO US.

>> THANK YOU, ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND.

>>> AFTER YEARS OF EFFORT AND DELAYS, THE LONG-AWAITED PLAN TO BUILD NEW RAIL TUNNELS UNDER THE HUDSON RIVER IS A GO.

OFFICIALS IN WASHINGTON APPROVED THE $11.6 BILLION PROJECT FOR FEDERAL FUNDING, THAT MONEY COULD POSSIBLY COME FROM THE INFRASTRUCTURE BILL BEING DELAYED DATED RIGHT NOW IN CONGRESS AS THE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION GAVE A STAMP OF APPROVAL ON THE PROJECT'S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY FOR THE TUNNELS RUNNING BETWEEN NEW JERSEY AND NEW YORK, WAS A KEY STEP THAT WAS STALLED UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION.

THEY ARE PART OF THE LARGER GAIT PROJECT THAT WILL REBUILD EXISTING TUNNELS THAT ARE HUNDRED AND 10 YEARS OLD AND SEVERELY DAMAGED BY HURRICANE SANDY AND 2012.

GOVERNOR MURPHY IS CALLING IT A MILESTONE WHICH COMES MORE THAN 10 YEARS AFTER THE FIRST VERSION OF THE GATEWAY PROJECT WAS PROPOSED.

>>> EVEN DESPERATE PLEAS FROM THE MOTHER AND GIRLFRIEND OF THE LATE CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER, BRIAN SICKNICK, COULD NOT PERSUADE ENOUGH REPUBLICANS ON THE HILL.

THE PAIR FROM NEW JERSEY HOPED TO SECURE THEIR VOTES IN FAVOR OF AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE THE JANUARY 6th INSURRECTION ON THE CAPITAL BUT CAME UP SHORT.

THE BIPARTISAN PANEL WOULD BE MODELED AFTER THE 9/11 COMMISSION CHAIRED BY FORMER GOVERNOR, TOM KANE.

HE SPOKE WITH OUR MICHAEL AARON ABOUT WHY HE IS ENDORSING THE SIMILAR PROBE TO THE JANUARY ATTACK AND OFFERED INSIGHT ON THE UPCOMING STATEWIDE ELECTION.

>> YOU SHARED THE 9/11 COMMISSION, YOU ARE IN FAVOR OF A JANUARY 6 COMMISSION, WHY?

I THINK THIS IS ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT EVENT IN AMERICAN HISTORY.

IT IS THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1812 ARMED FORCES HAVE ATTACKED OUR CAPITAL AND GOTTEN INTO IT.

SO, THIS IS SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY.

WE NEED TO KNOW HOW IT HAPPENED, WHY IT HAPPENED AND PUT STEPS IN PLACE TO MAKE SURE IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN.

>> MITCH McCONNELL DIFFERS WITH YOU AND HE THINKS THIS IS A POLITICAL EXERCISE DESIGNED TO MAKE THE REPUBLICANS LOOK BAD HEADING INTO A MIDTERM ELECTION YEAR.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THAT?

>> I THINK HE IS WRONG BECAUSE IT WAS A SHAMEFUL VIEW FOR SOME PEOPLE, OF COURSE BUT THE AMERICAN PUBLIC NEEDS TO KNOW ALL THE FACTS AND THE ONLY WAY TO GET ALL THE FACTS IS A BIPARTISAN INVESTIGATION.

THE SAME ARGUMENTS WERE MADE AGAINST THE 9/11 PROBE.

THEY SAID IT WOULD BE PART OF SUN, WE OVERCAME THOSE DOUBTS AND CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WERE PROUD OF.

IT IS TOO IMPORTANT TO NOT KNOW ALL THE FACTS.

>> HOW DO YOU KEEP POLITICS OUT BEFORE HIM LIKE THIS?

>> IT IS HARD, YOU HAVE TO WORK AT IT.

BUT YOU CAN DO IT.

FIRST OF ALL, BOTH PARTIES HAVE TO HAVE DECENT APPOINTEES.

YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE NOT SERVING IN GOVERNMENT NOW, NOT RUNNING FOR REELECTION, BUT HAVE AN INCREDIBLE JOB AND HAVE A KNACKERED OF REACHING ACROSS THE AISLES.

CONGRESSMEN AND SENATORS, FORMER GOVERNORS, A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE LIKE THAT, JUDGES, SO YOU GOT TO GET THE RIGHT PEOPLE.

ONCE YOU GET THE RIGHT PEOPLE, YOU HAVE TO GET ON WITH EACH OTHER AND THE GOAL COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE.

>> THE COUNTRY WAS UNIFIED AFTER 9/11 AGAINST A COMMON FOREIGN ENEMY.

HERE, THE COUNTRY IS ALREADY DIVIDED UP TERRIBLY INTO TWO TRIBES, AS YOU HAVE POINTED OUT ON MANY OCCASIONS.

THAT WILL MAKE IT EVEN TOUGHER TO GET POLITICS OUT, IS IT NOT?

YES, THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULDN'T DO IT.

>> NEW JERSEY POLITICS, THERE IS A GOVERNOR RACE THIS YEAR.

THERE IS A CONTESTED PRIMARY IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.

THEY DEBATED THIS WEEK.

HAVE YOU ENDORSED ANYBODY?

YEAH, I HAVE KNOWN JACK FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.

I THINK HE IS A VERY GOOD GUY.

YES, FOR THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION, I SUPPORT HIM.

>> DO YOU THINK HE IS BEATABLE IN NOVEMBER?

YES, EVERYONE IS BEATABLE.

I LIKE PHIL MURPHY, WE HAVE BEEN FRIENDS FOR A LONG TIME, BUT HE IS BEAUTIFUL.

REMEMBER, I WAS 30 POINTS BEHIND.

THESE DEFICITS CAN BE OVERCOME.

>> GOVERNOR TOM KANE, THANKS AGAIN.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> AS THE STATE TURNS THE PAGE ON THIS PANDEMIC, THERE IS A RENEWED PUSH TO LUER BUSINESSES TO GROW HERE.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER HAS THE DETAILS IN TONIGHT'S TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> NEW JERSEY'S LATEST TAX CREDIT PROGRAM FOR BUSINESSES CREATE NEW JOBS?

THAT IS THE GOAL OF THE EMERGE PROGRAM, WHICH IS PART OF A MULTIBILLION-DOLLAR ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT THAT BECAME LAW EARLIER THIS YEAR.

CEO TIM SULLIVAN SAYS COMPANIES WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR TAX CREDITS IF THEY ADD OR RETAIN JOBS.

>> I THINK THE PROGRAM GOVERNOR MURPHY SIGNED INTO LAW BACK IN JANUARY IS A REALLY POTENT TOOL TO ATTRACT NEW JOBS WHETHER OVERSEAS COMPANY IS LOOKING FOR A U.S.

PRESENT OR COMPANIES IN THE REGION.

THE PROGRAM REPLACES THE OLD PROGRAM WHICH WAS CRITICIZED FOR AMONG OTHER THINGS FOCUSING TOO MUCH ON BIG CORPORATIONS.

THIS WAS THE LAST DAY FOR BUSINESSES TO APPLY FOR A PPE PROGRAM, THEY PROVIDED DISCOUNTED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT TO NEARLY 13,000 NEW JERSEY BUSINESSES UNDER THAT PROGRAM.

AS THE STATE LOOSENS RESTRICTIONS ON BUSINESSES, OFFERING A NEW PROGRAM THAT CERTIFIES EMPLOYERS WHO ARE PROTECTING THEIR WORKERS AND CUSTOMERS FROM COVID-19.

THE HIGH ROAD EMPLOYER PROGRAM PROVIDES ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS WITH BUSINESS OWNERS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE IN LINE WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES.

22 NEW BRUNSWICK BUSINESSES HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PROGRAM ALREADY AND ARE ABLE TO DISPLAY A SEAL OF APPROVAL ON THEIR DOORS.

>>> AIRBNB WILL FOR BED PARTIES AND EVENTS AND ANY OF ITS PROPERTIES THROUGH THE END OF SUMMER.

THE BAN WENT INTO PLACE LAST YEAR DUE TO COVID-19.

THEY DECIDED TO EXTEND THE BAN INDEFINITELY.

>>> NEW JERSEY, GRASS PRICES AVERAGE $3.06 A GALLON, ACCORDING TO AAA.

A YEAR AGO, NEW JERSEY GAS PRICES WERE ONLY $2.03 A GALLON.

NOW, LOOK AT STOCKS TODAY.

THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> THIS WEEKEND, JOIN RHONDA SCHAFFLER FOR NJ BUSINESS, IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE THE PANDEMIC COSTS THOUSANDS OF EVIDENCE THEIR JOBS, WHY THE STATE IS NOT MAKING THE SAME UNEMPLOYMENT GAINS AS THE REST OF THE NATION.

YOU CAN FIND IT ON SATURDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. AND SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 9:30 A.M. >>> THERE ARE MORE RESIDENTS GETTING VACCINATED FOR COVID- 19, DATA IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE CLEAR, JUST LIKE MAR HEALTH OUTCOMES, YOUR ZIP CODE CAN DETERMINE HOW LIKELY IT IS THAT YOU ARE IMMUNIZED.

VACCINATION RATES VARY WIDELY FROM TOWN TO TOWN, ONE OF THE MOST DRASTIC EXAMPLES IS IN CAMDEN COUNTY WERE TWO NEIGHBORING CITIES HAVE THE HIGHEST MOS NUMBERS OF VACCINATED RESIDENTS IN THE STATE.

GINNY DONELSON HAS THE STORY.

>> THIS IS NOT VILIFYING THESE COMMUNITIES, BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS WE HAVE TO PUNCH UP IN TERMS OF VACCINE PENETRATION.

>> ADDRESSING VACCINATION RATES AS A PRIORITY, AND AREAS LIKE CAMDEN COUNTY, THINGS ARE DRASTICALLY DIFFERENT BETWEEN NEIGHBORING TOWNS.

>> EVERYBODY THAT WANTED A SHOT, GOT A SHOT, NOW FOR PEOPLE TO GET SHOTS, IT IS A LITTLE CHALLENGING RIGHT NOW.

IN CAMDEN COUNTY, WE ARE DOING A LOT TO GET PEOPLE HERE.

>> CANNON COUNTY, 31% OF ADULTS ARE FULLY VACCINATED, ONE OF THE HIGHEST RATES IN THE STATE AT 80%.

IN AN AREA HIT HARD BY COVID- 19, BROUGHT VACCINES DIRECTLY TO THE CAMDEN COMMUNITY.

THEY ARE LEADING THE CHALLENGE WITH AVERAGE.

>> WE HAVE BEEN MOVING FORWARD AT A STRONG RATE, WE HAVE TO CONTINUE MOVING FORWARD AND NOT GO BACKWARDS, SO THAT IS THE CONCERN THERE.

WE HAVE TO BE OPTIMISTIC.

WHEN I GOT A COMMUNITIES AND WE SEE THREE OR FOUR RESIDENTS COME OUT, WE STAY OPTIMISTIC.

LET'S GET OUT AND KNOCK ON SOME DOORS.

YOU CANNOT BE PESSIMISTIC ABOUT THIS.

>> THE MAJORITY OF RESIDENTS GOT VACCINATED AT CAMDEN COUNTY COLLEGE, MEGA SITES, PHARMACIES, OR THROUGH THEIR EMPLOYERS IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS, ACKNOWLEDGING HER COMMUNITY FACED FEWER BARRIERS TO GETTING VACCINATED.

>> SOMEONE WORKING FULL-TIME HAS ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION AND ARE ENROLLED IN SCIENCE RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY AND JUST GENERALLY HAVE ACCESS.

WE ARE A LARGELY WHITE COMMUNITY, SO THERE IS NOT THE HISTORIC HESITATION THAT BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES MIGHT HAVE FURTHER DISTRESS OF THE COMMUNITY OR THE VACCINATION, THAT IS ANOTHER FACTOR WE CAN'T DENY.

>> EFFORTS TO OVERCOME VACCINE HESITANCY OR WIPING OUT.

A FEW PHARMACISTS IN THE AREA DOING HOUSECALLS.

>> RECENTLY HAD EIGHT PATIENTS WITH THE SECOND DOSE, WE TAKE PRIDE BECAUSE I CAN UNDERSTAND THE GOING OUT, WE THINK IT'S OUR DUTY TO HAVE THIS.

>> DR. KEVIN EDMONDS IS AN ASSOCIATE DEAN SCHOOL OF NURSING.

HE SAID TARGETED IRISH IS WORKING IN CAMDEN.

>> WE ARE HAPPY TO SEE THE VACCINATIONS INCREASING AND I THINK THIS IS RELATED TO BRINGING THE VACCINE INTO THE COMMUNITY TO INCREASE THE ACCESS TO THE VACCINE AND AS WE CONTINUE TO HAVE TARGETED OUTREACH IN SPECIFIC HOUSING COMMUNITIES, VACCINATING IN PEOPLE'S HOMES, WE WILL SEE THOSE NUMBERS ARISE.

WILL IT BE THE SAME AS WEALTHIER COMMUNITIES OR MORE WHITE COMMUNITIES?

PROBABLY NOT.

>> AMELIA SCHEDULED HER FIRST SHOT AT THE CRACK CENTER BUT SAID GETTING THE SECOND DOSE IS EASIER BECAUSE IT CAME TO HER.

>> USUALLY, IT'S MORE FLEXIBLE.

>> HESITANT AT FIRST, ADRIAN GOT HIS SHOT AT CAMDEN COUNTY COLLEGE MARKING A MAJOR MILESTONE AT THE SITE AS THE 100,000 PERSON TO BE VACCINATED.

>> SPENDING TIME WITH MY GRANDPARENTS, MY FAMILY, MY MOM.

ALL OF THEM WERE IMPORTANT AND IT WAS A WAY TO KEEP THEM SAFE AND KEEP MYSELF SAFE.

>> THE GOVERNOR IS CONFIDENT OF MEETING ITS GOAL OF 70% VACCINATED BY JULY BUT THE NUMBERS MAY NOT BE THE SAME EVERYWHERE.

I AM JANINE DONALDSON FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> FINALLY TONIGHT, THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT YEARS MANY OF US HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED FOR SO MANY REASONS, NOT THE LEAST OF WHICH OUR LOSS OF CONNECTION.

A TROOP OF GIRL SCOUTS FOUND A WAY TO KEEP THEIR COMMUNITY UNITED AND SUPPORTED DURING THIS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH BY SPREADING SOME SPECIAL ART AND KINDNESS.

>> A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE KIND OF SAD BECAUSE THAT IS THE PANDEMIC AND I FEEL LIKE THE RACKS PUT A SMILE ON PEOPLE'S FACES AND IT MAKES PEOPLE HAPPY.

>> THE SIMPLE CONCEPT, MESSAGES ON ROCKS AND PLACED AROUND TOWN.

SOMETIMES IN CLUSTERS OR A SINGLE ROCK WITH A CHEERFUL THOUGHT.

>> ONE I MADE WAS LIKE STAY POSITIVE.

SOME OF THEM ARE LIKE SHINE ON AND KEEP GOING AND LIKE DON'T QUIT.

WE DID ALL THESE KINDS OF MESSAGES THAT WOULD MAKE PEOPLE SMILE AND WE PUT THEM AROUND.

>> I THINK KINDNESS RACKS REMIND PEOPLE THERE IS GOOD IN THE WORLD AND THERE HAS BEEN SO MUCH LATELY WHERE WE HAVE BEEN GIVING NEGATIVE MESSAGES.

THE POSITIVITY THE GIRLS DECIDED TO PUT IN THE WORLD REFLECTS ON EVERYONE AROUND US IN OUR COMMUNITY.

>> SHE WAS THRILLED TO SEE THE IDEAL RIPPLE THROUGH RESULTING IN MORE THAN 500 KINDNESS RACKS , BETTY GARDNER SAID IT'S ONE WAY THE GIRL SCOUTS ARTISTS ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES.

>> WE FOCUS ON SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING AND HELPING GIRLS HAVE GREAT SELF-ESTEEM BUT EVEN MORE SO IN THE PAST 1516 MONTHS, IT'S REALLY HELPING GIRLS UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL CHECK-IN'S FEELING IT IS OKAY TO FEEL SAD.

IT IS OKAY TO SHARE THAT SADNESS WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

>> Reporter: SOPHIA SHARED HOW SHE IS DEALT WITH HER OWN STRUGGLES SINCE THE FIRST SHUTDOWN LAST MARCH.

>> IT WAS SCARY, I DIDN'T KNOW WHEN IT WAS GOING TO BE OVER, I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN.

>> Reporter: IF THE FEAR A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE SHARE AND SOMETHING THE GIRL SCOUTS ARE TRYING TO HELP FAMILIES ADDRESS.

>> AS THE WORLD OPENS UP AGAIN, THEY MAY HAVE EMOTIONS THEY ARE NOT SURE HOW TO HANDLE, WE WILL PROVIDE A RESOURCE GUIDE FOR OUR FAMILIES SO THEY KNOW THE EXPERT WE CAN CALL.

>> IN OUR HOME WE TALK ABOUT HOW TO KEEP YOUR BODY AND MIND HEALTHY AND OF THE THINGS YOU CAN DO BY CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE BECAUSE THAT BRINGS A LOT OF HAPPINESS AND JOY.

>> THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE GETTING IS THEY ARE GIVING IT TO OTHERS.

SOPHIA SAYS IT MAKES HER SMILE EVERY TIME THE RACKS BRIGHTEN THEIR DAY.

>> I LIKE HAVING THAT FEELING IRAQ'S WE DIDN'T DO IT FOR NOTHING.

IT MAKES ME FEEL PROUD AND HAPPY.

>> I'M SO HAPPY THEY TOOK THIS INITIATIVE AMONG THEMSELVES, THE POWER OF ONE, THE POWER OF THE GROUP.

AND HARNESS THAT YOU REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD AROUND THEM.

I THINK THE POWER OF THEM TO MAKE THESE CHANGES IS SOMETHING THEY CAN FEEL THROUGHOUT THEIR LIFE.

>> ALL YOU NEED IS A LITTLE ROCK IN A LITTLE PAINT TO MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE.

>> THAT DOES IT FOR THIS WEEK, IN THE MEANTIME HEAD OVER TO NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.ORG OR FIND US ON SOCIAL TO CONTINUE OUR REPORTING.

FROM THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM, THANKS FOR WATCHING AS WE HEAD INTO THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AND HONOR THOSE WHO DIED IN SERVICE TO THIS COUNTRY.

GOOD NIGHT.

>>> MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJ BARNABUS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND THE OCEAN DREAM PROJECT BY O STEAD AND E SEG COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW, LONG- TERM SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR A NEW JERSEY.