The latest New Jersey news and commentary on the novel coronavirus, the restrictions in place because of it, and help for people struggling.

Report: NJ county's COVID program riddled with waste and abuse
One worker was paid more than $130,000 over 11 months and the county doesn't know who that person was or what that person did, the report says.

Report: NJ, US were not prepared for COVID-19 pandemic
The report released Monday faults planning, communication and decision-making before and during the pandemic, which broke out in early 2020.

Mask mandates return for 2024 in NJ: What you need to know
NJ hospitals are returning to strict mask policies. Will New Jersey impose another universal mask mandate for the state?

Get ready: NJ braces for big spike in sickness after holidays
Health officials warn of a surge in respiratory illnesses and new COVID-19 cases after holiday gatherings.

Are COVID-19 vaccinations still free in New Jersey?
With the end of the public health emergency the COVID-19 vaccine is now commercial and can cost between $115 and $128 per dose.

Mask mandates continue to expand in New Jersey
COVID-19 infection rates remain relatively low, but mask mandates continue to be imposed in parts of New Jersey

NJ failed vets in state-run homes hit by COVID-19 deaths — feds
The 43-page document paints a disturbing picture of failures at the veterans homes in Menlo Park and Paramus where dozens of deaths occurred early in the COVID-19 outbreak.

Will Murphy's mask mandate return?
A new COVID variant is surging. Doctors warn of a tripledemic. Could that trigger a return to restrictions as kids head back to school?

NJ health commissioner Judith M. Persichilli to retire
The 74-year-old who sat at Gov. Phil Murphy's side during his COVID-19 briefings and had a building named after her to honor her efforts will step down in August, she tells NJ.com.

COVID vax mandate lifted for NJ health care workers
Gov. Murphy rescinds one of the last remaining vaccine mandates in New Jersey.