Mayor Brindle's COVID-19 Update W July 23, 2021 Regional Health Officer Megan Avallone reports that the state now has one region in a low activity level, while the rest of the state -- including our Central East region -- is in a moderate activity level. Locally, Westfield continues to show a low level of activity. The state’s seven-day average for new confirmed cases is up 64% from a week ago and 218% from a month ago, and is at the highest level since May 21. The statewide transmission rate is 1.42, the highest it has been since November 19. More than 5.21 million people who live, work, or study in New Jersey have now been fully vaccinated, representing about 70% of the eligible population and ranking seventh in the country. In Union County, 345,430 residents (62% of the total population) have received one dose of vaccine, and 306,989 (55% of total population) are fully vaccinated. Governor Murphy detailed earlier this week that the NJ Department of Health has been tracking “breakthrough” cases – positive cases that occur in people who are fully vaccinated. Their most recent data (from June 28) shows that vaccines are proving to be more than 99% effective against hospitalization and death. In Westfield, 95% of those 65 and older, 95% of the adult population (18+), and 74% of the entire population has been vaccinated with at least one dose. In terms of those fully vaccinated, the data shows 90% of those 65 and older, 88% of adults (18+), and 69% of the entire population. In addition, we now have access to vaccination data in the 12-17 age group for the first vaccination dose only, which is 58% in Westfield. With the Delta variant proving to be more contagious than other strains of COVID, please get vaccinated if you are eligible. The full update detailing other topics in Town is available here. .