>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY THE MEMBERS OF NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

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

FROM NJPBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BRIANA VANNOZZI.

>> GOOD EVENING AND THANKS FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

THE WHITE HOUSE IS SETTING NEW BENCHMARKS TO PULL THE U.S. OUT OF THE PANDEMIC AND RETURN TO A NOR NORMAL VERSION OF LIFE AS WE KNEW IT.

PRESIDENT BARNETT IS PUSHING TO GET A SHOT OF 70% OF ALL AMERICAN ADULTS BEHIND JULY 4th, IN PART, BY MAKING IT A LOT EASIER TO GET VACCINATED, CREATING WALKING HOURS THAT PHARMACIES ASCENDING SUPPLIED TO DOCTORS OFFICES, OFFERING TEXT MESSAGING OPTIONS TO FIND AN APPOINTMENT AND INTENT IS FOR GROCERY SOURCE ORTS TICKETS ONCE YOU GET ONE.

THE ADMINISTRATION SAYS THE GOVERNMENT IS READY TO MOVE AS SOON AS THE FDA AUTHORIZES VACCINES FOR KIDS AGED 12 TO 15 BUT COULD COME AS EARLY AS NEXT WEEK FOR PFIZER.

PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTS SAY THE GROUP IS KEY TO ACHIEVING HERD IMMUNITY.

ANOTHER 1200 NEW CASES REPORTED TODAY ACROSS THE STATE, AND 45 MORE LIVES LOST.

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE VACCINE ROLLOUT BEGAN, THE PRESIDENT SAYS PRESSURE WILL BE PUT ON STATES WHERE SUPPLY IS OUTPACING DEMAND.

SENDING UNORDERED DOSES BACK TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND MAKING THEM AVAILABLE TO STATES WHERE REQUESTS FOR A CORONAVIRUS VACCINE IS SURGING.

IN NEW JERSEY, MORE THAN 3.3 MILLION RESIDENTS ARE NOW FULLY VACCINATED, BUT AS A PLAINTIFF BECOME MORE WIDELY AVAILABLE, DEMAND IS DECLINING.

THE STATE IS NOW STARTING TO TARGET TOWNS IN POPULATIONS WHERE VACCINE RATES LAG, ROLLING OUT A STATEWIDE EFFORT TO SPUR PARTICIPATION BEING DUBBED OPERATION JERSEY SUMMER.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS.

>> UTILIZE THE RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION FOR FLU, AND I WILL ALSO USE THAT FOR CODE VACCINATION AS WELL?

>> NURSE MELISSA COLLINS DOES NOT BELIEVE IN VACCINES AND WORKS WITH GROUPS THAT LOBBIED LAWMAKERS AGAINST MANDATORY VACCINATION BILLS.

AND SINCE PEOPLE LIKE HER WILL REFUSE A COVERED SHOT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO CHOOSE WHAT GOES INTO THEIR BODIES.

>> PEOPLE HAVE VACCINE HESITANCY, BUT INSTEAD OF LABELING THEM, THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY RIGHT NOW TO UNDERSTAND WHY THEY MAY BE CAUTIOUS, AND WHY THEY MIGHT BE TAKING THE WAIT AND SEE APPROACH.

>> I THINK THAT THERE IS SOME PEOPLE WHO WILL NEVER GET VACCINATED.

FURTHER RELIGIOUS, SOCIAL, POLITICAL REASONS.

THEY ARE JUST AGAINST IT.

BUT I THINK THERE'S A LARGER GROUP THAT IS KIND OF IN THE MIDDLE.

>> HEALTH EXPERTS SAY 20 TO 25% OF UNVACCINATED JERSEYANS ARE STILL ON THE FENCE, BUT IN LATE APRIL, VACCINATIONS DROP BY 83,000 DOSES IN A SINGLE WEEK.

ENTER, OPERATION JERSEY SUMMER.

GOVERNOR MURPHY'S FINAL BIG PUSH TO FULLY VACCINATE 4.7 MILLION RESIDENTS BY JULY, AND ACHIEVE HERD IMMUNITY.

MURPHY LIKENED IT TO A WORLD WAR II OFFENSIVE.

>> ATTACHED TAKE BERLIN AND PUT A STAKE INTO THE HEART OF THIS VIRUS.

>> Reporter: THAT INCLUDES MOBILIZING STATE VACCINATION BANDS OFFERING A BEER FOR A COVERED SHOT AND FIELDING 900 TRAINED VOLUNTEERS TO SEEK OUT POCKETS OF RESISTANCE WITH LOW VACCINATION RATES.

OUTREACH EFFORTS LIKE THIS ONE AND PATTERSON WILL TARGET UNDERSERVED AND POVERTY- STRICKEN NEIGHBORHOODS TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND CONVINCE HOLDOUTS.

>> WHEN I TALKED ABOUT THE FACT THERE WAS PUT ON PAUSE, THAT ONLY EXACERBATED THE SITUATION AND IT MADE IT MORE OF AN UPHILL BATTLE.

SO, THAT'S WHY WE ARE GOING TO FIGHT EVEN HARDER TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE HESITANT TO KNOW THAT IT IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE.

>> I DID NOT TAKE A SHOT BECAUSE I FELT LIKE IT WAS AN EXPERIMENT.

>> Reporter: CURTIS GOT HIS SHOT TODAY.

SOME PERCENT OF FOLKS RECENTLY SURVEYED SAY THEY GOT ONE OR PLAN TO.

IT'S A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING AND 16 LARGER NEW JERSEY TOWNS WITH FEWER THAN 40% OF RESIDENTS HAVE GOTTEN ONE DOSE, INCLUDING LAKEWOOD WITH ONLY 10%, IRVINGTON WITH 11, CAMDEN 12.

DR. MOLLY CAMPBELL URGES VACCINATION VOLUNTEERS TO SHOW EMPATHY.

>> IF MY GOAL IS ONLY TO PUT A VACCINE IN YOUR ARM TODAY, YOU MAY NOT BE READY FOR THAT.

I HAVE TO ACCEPT THAT MAYBE YOU JUST WANT TO ASK ME A QUESTION.

>> Reporter: DR. CAMPBELL AND OTHER PHYSICIANS HAVEN'T HOSTING SMALL GROUP CHATS WITH 10 TO 20 FOLKS.

SHE SAID SOME PEOPLE LACK ACCESS TO SHOT OR THE SIDE EFFECTS COULD MAKE THEM MISS WORK.

>> LIVED ON THIS NUMBER OF TIMES.

I FOUND IS, AFTER PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN THEIR INDIVIDUAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED, THEY HAVE BEEN READY.

>> I'M GOING TO REMAIN HOPEFUL BECAUSE I DO THINK AT THE END OF THE DAY, THAT 25 TO 30% IS MOVABLE.

>> Reporter: RUTGERS FORESEES A VACCINATION CLASS.

>> IF YOU REQUIRE SCHOOLS TO VACCINATE, WHICH I BELIEVE, VERY STRONGLY THEY MUST DO, THAT HELPS US GET TO THAT HIGHER PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION THAT IS VACCINATED, EVEN IF WE HAVE THOSE RESISTANT PEOPLE THAT ARE 20%.

>> WHICH SETS UP ANOTHER BATTLE IN THE LEGISLATOR IN NEW JERSEY.

>> ABSOLUTELY IT DOES.

>> Reporter: I AM BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> FOR MORE ON THE CAMPAIGN TO GET 70% OF ALL ADULTS VACCINATED BY THE END OF JUNE, HAD TO NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WEBSITE AND CHECK OUT THE FULL STORY.

>>> TURN NOW TO ANOTHER ISSUE PLAGUING STATE LEADERS, HOW TO MAKE THE LONG-STANDING PROBLEMS OF PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL ABUSE AT THE STATES ONLY WOMEN'S PRISON.

THIS WEEK THERE WERE HEARINGS INCLUDING THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS.

INSTEAD OF TALKING SPENDING PLANS, LEGISLATORS SPENT MUCH OF THE HEARING GRILLING COMMISSIONER MARCUS HICKS, PROBING INTO THE JANUARY ASSAULT AT THE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, AND WHAT'S BEING DONE TO TURN THE SYSTEM AROUND.

NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS SENIOR WRITER, COLLEEN O'DAY HAS NEW DETAILS.

SO, COLLEEN, WHAT DID WE LEARN ABOUT WHAT KIND OF CHANGES THE DEPARTMENT IS MAKING RIGHT NOW?

>> SO, THE CORRECTIONS COMMISSIONER WENT THROUGH A WHOLE LIST OF THINGS, STARTING KIND OF WITHIN THE LAST MONTH, THERE'S AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM THAT ESSENTIALLY MAKES IT EASIER FOR SUPERVISORS TO MONITOR STAFF BEHAVIOR.

SO, IF CORRECTIONS OFFICERS ARE PERHAPS USING TOO MUCH FORCE, OR DOING SOMETHING IMPROPER, IT WILL BE EASIER TO SEE THAT.

THERE'S ALSO GOING TO BE A NEW ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR WOMEN'S SERVICES.

SHE WILL START ON MONDAY, AND HER JOB WILL REALLY BE TO OVERSEE EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN THE FACILITY.

THERE IS A CONTRACT THAT THE CITY IS SENDING $1.3 MILLION FOR WITH A GROUP THAT IS GOING TO RECOMMEND CHANGES.

SHE WILL OVERSEE THAT.

SHE WILL OVERSEE ANYTHING THAT COMES OUT OF THE DOJ REPORT.

WE ARE EXPECTING US ELEMENTS TOO.

>> OF COURSE, A LOT EXTENDED AROUND THIS JANUARY ATTACK WERE LAWMAKERS WERE ABLE TO PULL ANY NEW INFORMATION OUT OF THE COMMISSION ON THAT?

>> WE GOT A LITTLE BIT OF INFORMATION THERE.

THERE WAS A QUESTION SPECIFICALLY ABOUT AN ADMINISTRATOR NAMED, WHO WAS AT THE FACILITY, AND THE QUESTION OF WHETHER HE MIGHT HAVE BEEN INVOLVED.

IN FACT WE FOUND OUT THAT HE HAS PLACED ON SUSPENSION WITH PAY AT THE MOMENT, WHICH MEANS HE'S ONE OF THOSE 30 INDIVIDUALS THAT THE DEPARTMENT SEEMS TO THINK WAS INVOLVED.

THE 10 INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN ARRESTED, OR HAVE BEEN CHARGED SO FAR, THEY HAVE ALL BEEN NO ESSENTIALLY REMOVED FROM THE PAYROLL SO THEY ARE OUT OF THE DEPARTMENT.

>> AND OUR LAWMAKERS STILL PRESSURING COMMISSIONER HICKS TO RESIGN, CALLING OR IS THAT PHASED OUT NOW?

>> NO, ABSOLUTELY.

HE GOT SOME VERY POINTED QUESTIONS FROM SOME ASSEMBLY MEMBERS ABOUT THAT.

ASSEMBLYMAN SAID IN FACT YOU KNOW HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO THIS?

THAT WAS REALLY THE FIRST TIME WE'VE HEARD SO MANY ASKING THAT DIRECTLY AND AGAIN HE DEFENDED HIMSELF.

THE SAME QUESTION WAS ALSO ASK YOU KNOW, SHOULD YOU BE, SHOULD YOU REALLY BE IN CHARGE OF THIS?

AND HE CONTINUES TO DEFEND HIMSELF AND HIS ADMINISTRATION SAYING THEY ARE PUTTING IN PLACE EVERYTHING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.

>> COLLEEN O'DAY, KEEPING AN EYE OUT AT ALL.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> AS THE HEALTH CRISIS CONTINUES, THERE IS RENEWED EMPHASIS ON ENSURING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE IS OUT THERE FOR ALL.

THAT INCLUDES THE COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

CONGRESSMAN FRANK MALONE TODAY CALLED ON CONGRESS AND THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE DRUG COSTS THEY TALK PRIORITY, HE REINTRODUCE LEGISLATION.

THE LOWER DRUG COSTS NO THAT STALLED AFTER PASSING IN THE HOUSE IN 2019.

HE SAYS IT WOULD ALLOW THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO NEGOTIATE PRICES FOR MEDICARE BASED ON THE COST OF THE SAME PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS AND OTHER WESTERN NATIONS.

THE BILL WOULD ALSO COUNT THE ANNUAL OUT-OF-POCKET SPENDING FOR MEDICARE RECIPIENTS AND REQUIRED DRUG COMPANIES TO PAY A REBATE IF THEY RAISE PRICES FASTER THAN INFLATION.

>> IT'S JUST NOT FAIR THAT AMERICANS HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN YOU KNOW PAYING FOR THEIR FOOD OR THEIR RENT AS OPPOSED TO PAYING FOR THEIR MEDICINE.

BUT, THAT IS IN FACT A REALITY FOR A LOT OF AMERICANS.

IT WAS THE KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION RECENTLY THAT 1 IN FOUR AMERICANS TAKE MEDICATIONS AND FIND THEY WOULD BE UNAFFORDABLE NEARLY 1 IN THREE ADULTS IN THE U.S. REPORT TAKING THE MEDICINES, NOT TAKING THEIR MEDICINES AS PRESCRIBED BECAUSE OF THE COST.

>> ANOTHER CONVERSATION FRONT AND CENTER.

MOVING THE ADULT USE MARIJUANA PROGRAM FOR THE STATE CANNABIS REGULATORY COMMISSION MET TODAY FOR THE THIRD TIME, DRAFTING THE REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR THE FUTURE INDUSTRY.

BUT, EVEN AS THEY DO, LAWMAKERS CONTINUE TWEAKING THE LEGISLATION THAT MADE RECREATIONAL USE LEGAL, LIKE ADDRESSING CURRENT LAWS ON HOME GROW.

NEW JERSEY IS THE ONLY LAW 14 OTHER STATES WITH A LEGAL WEED PROGRAM THAT CAN GROWING WHERE YOU WANT TO PLANTS AT HOME.

THE STATE SENATOR INTRODUCED A BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW THOSE 21 AND OLDER TO GROW A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF THEIR OWN AS HE ZEROES IN ON OTHER SOCIAL JUSTICE PIECES.

THE SENATOR JOINS US NOW.

SENATOR GO POWELL, THANKS FOR YOUR TIME TODAY.

YOU KNOW, THE DRC WILL BE MEETING.

I GUESS I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE HOME GROW, I WASN'T PART OF THE INITIAL LEGALIZATION AND WHAT SPECIFICALLY ARE YOU PROPOSING?

>> TO BE WITH YOU.

YOU KNOW, I'M NOT SURE WHY.

THERE'S A LOT OF ISSUES FACING NEW JERSEY AND I WAS TRYING TO ENGAGE ON THEM.

SCHOOL FUNDING AND REPORTED LEGALIZATION.

I VOTE YES ON THE QUESTION AND IT PASSED OVERWHELMINGLY BUT I WAS NOT ONE OF THE LEGISLATORS THAT THE BILL WAS ORIGINALLY ENGAGED IN.

I GOT MORE ENGAGED AS IT GOT CLOSER AND I SAW THE BILL THEY PUT TOGETHER BECAUSE IT WAS MISSING WITH ALL RESPECT TO ALL OF THEM AND MY COLLEAGUES WORKING VERY HARD ON IT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, BUT YOU KNOW, WE SAW PARENTAL NOTIFICATION PIECE THAT WOULD JUST RECENTLY CORRECTED, A HOME-GROWN PEACE, AND IMPACT, A LOT OF ISSUES.

THE VOTERS OF NEW JERSEY VOTED, AND I HAVE COMMUNITIES THAT ARE OVERWHELMINGLY CONSERVATIVE AND REPUBLICAN AND THEY VOTED IN A STRONG MAJORITY TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA TO TRULY LEGALIZE CANVASSING YOU HOME GROW AND THAT WAS NOT IN THERE.

>> HOW MANY PLANTS RECREATIONAL USE AND MEDICINAL USE AND HOW THE STATE GO ABOUT ENFORCING IT, REGULATING THAT QUESTION THAT SOMETHING HAS COME UP QUITE A BIT.

>> IN THIS BILL, A PERSON AGED 21 OR OLDER MAY GROW UP TO 6 MARIJUANA PLANTS FOR PERSONAL AND RECREATIONAL USE THE MAXIMUM OF 12 PLANTS PER HOUSEHOLD.

UNDER CURRENT LAW, YOU CAN, IT IS ILLEGAL FOR AN INDIVIDUAL TO GROW THEIR OWN PLANTS.

>> WHY THAT NUMBER, SENATOR?

HOW DID YOU KNOW THAT SPECIFIC AMOUNT DOWN?

>> WE LOOKED AT OTHER STATES, THE LAW WHICH LEGALIZED THE USE HAD POSSESSION OF SIX OUNCES OF LESSER MARIJUANA SO WE TRY TO MIRROR SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THAT.

AND WE LOOKED AT STATES, 18 STATES, INCLUDING THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ALLOWING HOME-GROWN OR RECREATIONAL USE, I'M SORRY MEDICAL OR RECREATIONAL USE FOR HOME GROW, SO IN MOST OF THE STATES, MOST ALLOW SOME VARIATION OF SIX CENTS FOR ADULTS CAPPED AT 10 OR 12 SO, WE TRY TO MIRROR WHAT WAS OUT THERE.

>> SUPPORT OF WHAT'S BEEN SET UP SO FAR IS THAT MONEY THAT WILL BE COLLECTED FROM TAXING CANNABIS SHOULD BE DIRECTED ACCORDING TO THE LEGISLATION TO CITIES THAT ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED BY THE SO-CALLED WAR ON DRUGS.

BUT, IT DOES NOT MANDATE IT.

SO, HOW ARE YOU LOOKING TO TWEAK IT.

AND I HATE TO CALL IT ANOTHER CLEANUP BILL, BUT IT'S ANOTHER CLEANUP BILL.

>> YEAH, THERE WILL PROBABLY BE MORE CLEANUP BILLS.

WE ARE STILL DOING THOSE FROM THE ENACTMENT AND LEGALIZATION OF ALCOHOL FROM HOW MANY OVER DECADES AGO.

THIS PURPOSE OF THIS LEGISLATION IS TO PUSH THE CONVERSATION.

LATE SENATOR CARDINALE HAD INTRODUCED THE CONCEPT.

SINGLETON PUSHED THE MEDICAL PIECE THAT I WANTED TO PUSH CONVERSATION.

SO THE LEGISLATION IS BARE- BONES, DOES NOT GET INTO THE SPECIFICS IN A REALLY DIRECT WAY, THE CRC MAKES THE RULES AND REGULATIONS.

>> THANK YOU, GOOD TO CATCH UP WITH YOU.

SEE THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THERE IS A LOT RIDING ON NEW JOBS REPORT COMING UP THIS WEEKEND WHETHER IT WILL POINT TO A BROAD ECONOMIC RECOVERY.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER HAS MORE INSIGHT AND TONIGHT TAUGHT BUSINESS CHOICE.

HEY, RHONDA.

>>> DRAMA, THIS WEEK WE MAY SEE EVIDENCE OF A HIRING BOOM WITH TWO REPORTS COMING OUT OF LOOKING FOR BIG GAINS.

THEY EXPECT FRIDAY'S MONTHLY JOBS REPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT WILL SHOW THAT 1 MILLION NEW JOBS WERE ADDED TO THE U.S. ECONOMY IN APRIL THANKS TO STATES ROLLING BACK COVER RELATED RESTRICTIONS.

TOMORROW, NEW JERSEY-BASED ADP WILL ISSUE ITS MONTHLY JOBS REPORT, AND ECONOMISTS PREDICT THAT THAT ONE WILL SHOW AN INCREASE OF 800,000 NEW JOBS.

NEW JERSEY STATE LAWMAKERS ARE SCHEDULED TO CONSIDER A BILL TOMORROW THAT WOULD INCENTIVIZE COMPANIES TO HIRE THOSE WHO ARE OUT OF WORK.

THE BILL WOULD PROVIDE SMALLER COMPANIES WITH A TAX CREDIT IF THEY GIVE UNEMPLOYED WORKERS A FULL-TIME JOB.

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TODAY JOINED THE LABOR UNION UNITE HERE TO PROTEST UNITED AIRLINES POTENTIAL PLANS TO OUTSOURCE MORE THAN 2500 CATERING JOBS.

LAWMAKERS ARGUE THAT THEY WERE GIVEN $7.7 BILLION IN RELIEF FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND THAT MONEY WAS SUPPOSED TO BE USED TO KEEP WORKERS ON THE PAYROLL.

NEW JERSEY CONGRESSMAN, DONALD PAYNE JR. IS AMONG THE REPRESENTATIVES WHO HAS REACHED OUT TO THE AIRLINE FOR SOME ANSWERS.

>> WE TOLD THEM TO HONOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO USE PUBLIC FUNDS TO RETAIN WORKERS, NOT TO FIRE THEM.

AND, WE WANT THEM TO STATE PLOT PUBLICLY THAT CURRENT UNITED AIRLINES WORKERS WILL KEEP THEIR JOBS, BENEFITS, AND UNION REPRESENTATION FOR ALL IN- FLIGHT CATERING OPERATIONS.

>> AT TODAY'S PRESS CONFERENCE, LAWMAKERS ALSO CRITICIZED THE AIRLINE FOR PAYING ITS EXECUTIVES BONUSES.

THE IRS WILL START SENDING OUT REFUNDS THIS MONTH TO THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A TAX BREAK ON THEIR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.

THIS AFFECTS PEOPLE WHO FILE THEIR 2020 INCOME TAXES EARLY, BEFORE CONGRESS PASSED A LAW EXCLUDING $10,200 WORTH OF UNEMPLOYED BENEFITS FROM TAX.

NOW, HERE'S A LOOK AT TRADING ACTION TODAY ON WALL STREET.

I AM RHONDA SCHAFFLER, THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

TWO ANOTHER WEEK, ANOTHER NEW JERSEY UNIVERSITY JOINS THE GROWING LIST OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS ACQUIRING A COVID-19 VACCINATION.

KING UNIVERSITY SAYS ALL STUDENTS WILL HAVE TO SHOW PROOF OF A VACCINE RECORD BEFORE RETURNING TO IN-PERSON CLASSES THIS FALL, OR THEY WON'T HAVE ACCESS TO CAMPUS FACILITIES FOR THE SCHOOL IS OFFERING FREE VACCINES WITH AN APPOINTMENT BEGINNING MAY 5th AT 10:00 A.M. TO NOON IN A PARTNERSHIP WITH UNION COUNTY, BUT IT WILL LAST THROUGH THE SUMMER.

RELIGIOUS AND MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS WILL BE ALLOWED.

KANE JOINED STEVENS INSTITUTE, WORKERS, MONTCLARE AND DICKINSON UNIVERSITIES ALONG WITH DREW, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY UNIVERSITY'S IN MANDATING THE VACCINATION.

SOME PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTS ARE WORRIED WE COULD BE ON THE VERGE OF ANOTHER HEALTH CRISIS AFTER THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC.

THE RESURGENCE OF VACCINE AVAILABLE DISEASES, LIKE MEASLES, MUMPS, AND WHOOPING COUGH.

PEDIATRIC VACCINATION RATES DECLINED SINCE THE START OF THE PANDEMIC.

DOCTORS ESSAY SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASK WEARING HAVE SO FAR HELPED AVOID OUT RAKES FOR THOSE DISEASES, BUT HAVE GROWING CONCERNS AS RESTRICTIONS EASE.

JOANNA GAGIS HAS A STORY.

>> WE HAVE NOT CAUGHT UP ANYWHERE CLOSE TO WHAT WE WERE IN THE PAST, AND NEW JERSEY HAS REALLY BEEN A STATE WITH EXCELLENT VACCINE COVERAGE.

>>, THE VACCINE COVERAGE HAS DROPPED OFF SIGNIFICANTLY DURING THE PANDEMIC SAYS DR. MEG FISHER.

>> OVER THE SUMMER, WE DROPPED HER DEMONIZATION RATES BY ABOUT TWO THIRDS.

SO, NOW, ONLY ABOUT A THIRD OF CHILDREN WHO PREVIOUSLY WERE BEING VACCINATED GOT VACCINATED.

>> THOSE WHO HAVE MISSED INOCULATIONS NOW FACE INCREDIBLE RISKS FAR BEYOND COVID, WHICH HAS BY AND LARGE SPARED KIDS, SAYS THIS DOCTOR.

>> ONE SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES ARE RELAXED WE ARE GOING TO SEE AN UPTICK IN THINGS LIKE MEASLES AND MENINGITIS, PNEUMONIAS, ETC.

AND, THIS IS MAY BE A BIGGER PANDEMIC THAN COVID ITSELF.

>> IS NOT JUST AN ISSUE HERE IN NEW JERSEY, IT'S A GLOBAL PROBLEM WERE ONLY 20% OF KIDS UNDER FIVE HAVE MAINTAINED THEIR FULL VACCINE SCHEDULE.

THAT RAISES ISSUES AROUND HERD IMMUNITY THAT UNTIL NOW HAVE SPARED THIS GENERATION.

>> CONCEPT OF HERD IMMUNITY VARIES BY VIRUS.

SO FOR'S, FOR INFLUENZA, WE KNOW THAT WE NEED ABOUT 80 TO 85% OF THE POPULATION IMMUNIZE TO REALLY CUT DOWN THE NUMBERS.

FOR AN INFECTION LIKE MEASLES, WHICH IS INCREDIBLY CONTAGIOUS, WE NEED OVER 95% OF THE POPULATION IMMUNIZE TO PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION OF THAT VIRUS FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER.

>> WE ACTUALLY DID THE TWO CHILDREN WHO WERE UNVACCINATED WHO PRESENTED WITH CHICKENPOX ILLNESS.

IT'S BEEN SO RARE THAT MANY PEOPLE NOW DON'T RECOGNIZE WHAT CHICKENPOX LOOKS LIKE.

CAN BE ASSOCIATED WITH VARIOUS COMPLICATIONS, THEY CAN HAVE OVERWHELMING PNEUMONIAS, THEY CAN HAVE SKIN SOFT TISSUE INFECTIONS.

FOUR WHEN THE VACCINES NUMBERS DROP THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE PROGRAMS SPRANG INTO ACTION.

>> THEY BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF PRIVATE PROVIDERS SO THERE WAS TARGETED VACCINATION CAMPAIGNS TO BRING THESE KIDS BACK INTO THE HEALTHCARE SETTING.

>> WHEN WE REOPENED IN JUNE, 2020, WE NOTIFIED THE PARENTS THAT WE WERE SPACING THEM FAR ENOUGH APART THAT THEY WOULD NOT ENCOUNTER OTHER FAMILIES, AND THEN, WE TRIED TO REASSURE THEM THAT WE WERE USING ALL THE MEASURES THAT HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED TO MAKE SURE THEY WERE SAFE.

>> EVEN THE WITH THOSE REASSURANCES, FEAR COVID HAS KEPT MANY FAMILIES AWAY.

TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS ALSO CUT INTO DOCTORS VISITS AND WITH SCHOOL AND DAYCARE IS REMOTE, PARENTS HAVE NOT HAD VACCINE REQUIREMENTS.

BUT NOW, KIDS ARE STARTING TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL, WHERE MANY VACCINES ARE MANDATED.

>> IF A CHILD IS DELAYED IN A VACCINE SCHEDULE, DOES THAT VACCINE SCHEDULE MAINTAIN THE SAME DISTANCE BUT BROUGHT OUT OVER A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME NOW?

IN A CHILD'S LIFE?

>> WE HAVE WHAT IS CALLED THE CATCH-UP VACCINATION SCHEDULE WHERE WE TRY TO CATCH THEM UP WITH THE PRIMARY IMMUNIZATION SERIES RAPIDLY, SO VACCINES THAT WERE SPACED OUT BY SEVERAL YEARS CAN BE GIVEN ABOUT A MONTH APART, SOME OF THE VACCINES WE CAN DO THAT.

>> SHE SAID IT'S ALL CONVERSATIONS PARENTS SHOULD BE HAVING WITH THEIR PEDIATRICIANS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I AM JOANNA GAGIS.

>>> INDIA IS NOW THE GLOBAL EPICENTER OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC AT AN ESTIMATED 3000 PEOPLE ARE DYING THERE A DAY .

MANY OF THEM, IN HOSPITAL BEDS, UNABLE TO GET ACCESS TO LIFESAVING OXYGEN.

AS EXPERTS WARNED, THE CRISIS IS MOUNTING WITH NO END IN SIGHT.

LESS THAN 2% OF THE POPULATION IS VACCINATED.

THE TRAGEDY THERE IS DEEPLY FELT HERE.

NEW JERSEY IS HOME TO SOME 400,000 RESIDENTS OF INDIAN DESCENT, THE THIRD LARGEST POPULATION OF ANY STATE IN THE U.S. LEAH MISHKIN REPORTS ON THE RELIEF EFFORTS FROM 1000 MILES AWAY.

>> Reporter: THE IMAGES COMING OUT OF INDIA ARE PAINFUL TO WATCH BODIES BEING TAKEN AWAY, FAMILIES SITTING OUTSIDE COVID- 19 HOSPITALS IN DESPAIR, ONE WOMAN ON THE GROUND IN TEARS.

>> MY HEART ACHES WHEN I SEE THE PICTURES, WHEN I SEE THE STREETS THAT HAVE GROWN.

SEE IF THERE ARE MORE THAN 20 MILLION COVID CASES IN INDIA, AND THAT'S OUR SURGERY.

A TOTAL OF 220,000 REPORTED.

THAT IS BELIEVED TO BE A FRACTION OF THE TOLL.

>> MY FAMILY IS, THERE IN THE CITY IT'S REALLY DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE WITH FOOD, GROCERIES, AND MEDICAL SUPPLY.

>> JERSEY CITY STARTED A GOFUNDME PAGE TO HELP.

>> ONE DOLLAR CAN BUY TWO.

>> THE MONEY RAISED IS SENT TO INDIA.

SO FAMILY AND FRIENDS CAN BUY GROCERIES TO COOK AND DELIVER TO PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF HIS HOMETOWN HOSPITAL.

>> YOU KNOW, THERE ARE NO FOOD TRUCKS AROUND.

THE RESTAURANT THAT ARE OPEN, AND THESE PEOPLE HAVE TRAVELED FROM WHEREVER TO ADMIT THEIR FAMILIES IN THE HOSPITAL.

SO, THEY DON'T HAVE FOOD AND WATER TO SURVIVE.

THAT'S WHAT WE'VE BEEN TRYING TO ADJUST.

>> FUNDS COLLECTED HAVE ALLOWED THE TEAMS ON THE GROUND TO EXPAND AND BEGIN DELIVERY TO A SECOND CITY.

>> BASICALLY, THEY ARE WAITING FOR US.

>> THE FOOD RUNS OUT SOMETIMES AND PEOPLE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR US AND SO, NOW WE STARTED TO KEEP AT LEAST CRACKERS AND THINGS LIKE THAT IN THE TRUCK.

>> I FEAR LONG TIME AGO AND WAS KLEENEX BECAUSE OF THE NUMBERS OF CASES GOING UP, BUT WHAT WE CAN DO TODAY IS WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO.

THE EDISON CHAPTER OF THE GLOBAL ORGANIZATION IS TACKLING THE OXYGEN SORTED.

A FIRST 150 CONCENTRATORS WERE SHIPPED OUT TO A FREE HOSPITAL IN DELHI JUST LAST WEEK.

THE SUPPLY IS NOT EASY TO COME BY.

>> A LOT OF THE SUPPLY COMES FROM CHINA.

IT IS NOT HERE.

NO, THE INVENTORIES THAT EACH OF THE MANUFACTURERS HAVE, THEY ARE QUICK DEPLETED IN OUR TRI- STATE AREA.

WE HAVE ABOUT 1300 MEMBERS IN OUR CHAMBER.

AND, YOU KNOW, EVERYONE IS STRUGGLING NOW AND THEY LOST LOVED ONES OR THE LOVE CAN'T BREATHE, AND IT'S JUST HEART ACHING.

>> Reporter: VINNY, SLIGHTLY REMINISCENT OF THE PEAK OF PANDEMIC IN NEW JERSEY ALMOST A YEAR AGO LAST MARCH.

>> THE MIGRANT WORKERS WOULD BASICALLY FROM DAY-TO-DAY.

NOW, IF THEY CAN'T GO TO WORK AND THERE'S A LOCKDOWN, RIGHT?

MOST OF THE CITIES ARE HAVING LOCKDOWNS NOW.

SO, WHAT DO YOU DO?

>> THE WORLD RALLIED TO OUR SIDE LAST YEAR AND WE WERE IN OUR DARKEST HOURS AND WE WERE THE EPICENTER.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL OF US TO DO THE SAME.

>> IS WADSWORTH TOWNSHIP HAS JUST CALLED US AND DONATED PP'S AND OTHER EQUIPMENT.

YOU KNOW, THE UPS, FEDEX HAVE REALLY DONE A WONDERFUL JOB OF TRYING TO PROVIDE LOW COST OR NO COST TRANSPORTATION.

IT'S WONDERFUL TO SEE THE COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER.

>> JUST THIS MORNING, ROBBINSVILLE CHAPTER OF THE GLOBAL ORGANIZATION CHARITIES SENT 30 OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS TO GO TO ITS THREE SITES IN INDIA THAT ARE TREATING COVID-19 PATIENTS.

THEY ARE ALSO RAISING FUNDS TO HELP WITH FOOD, MEDICATION, AND VENTILATOR SHORTAGE.

>> WITH THE NEXT STEPS ARE OR WHATEVER THE NEXT AND NEEDS ARE.

THE >> THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION STARTED DELIVERING $100 MILLION WORTH OF SUPPLIES LAST WEEK FOR THE FAMILIES HERE IN NEW JERSEY, MONITORING THE SITUATION CLOSELY.

I AM LEAH MISHKIN FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> AT THIS MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND WE LOOK AT THE PANDEMIC PRESSURES ON MOM AND THE TOLL THIS HEALTH CRISIS HAS TAKEN ON IN THEIR CAREERS, PARENTING, AND OF COURSE FOR MENTAL HEALTH.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, DAVID CRUISE TAKES A DEEPER LOOK AT MOMS AS UNSUNG HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC FOR THIS WEEK'S CHAT BOX.

LAST THURSDAY NIGHT AT 6:30 P.M. ON THE NEWSCHANNEL.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS AHEAD OF TIME OR TWEET US USING THE HASHTAG CHAT BOX.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI .

FROM THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM, THANKS FOR WATCHING, HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.

FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY NJM INSURANCE GROUP, SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

AND, HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

>> LOOK AT THESE KIDS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

I SEE MYSELF.

I BECAME AN ESL TEACHER SO I COULD STUDENTS WHAT I WANTED WHEN I CAME TO THIS COUNTRY.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, TO DREAM, THE CHANCE TO BECOME AND BE AN AMERICAN.

I'M JULIA... AND I'M PROUD TO BE AN NJEA MEMBER.