Coronavirus Information & Our Response
Check back periodically for updates
Wyckoff Township COVID-19 Resources and Information
CDC information about the COVID-19 vaccines
New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
Vaccine appointment call center: 855-568-0545 (8 am – 8 pm)
NJ COVID-19 vaccine information
COVID-19 vaccine locations list
Access your vaccine record on your phone
Free COVID tests from the USPS
March 1, 2022
March is a hopeful month in which we welcome Spring! We at the library are excited to announce the resumption of more in-person events alongside virtual programs. There are storytimes for all ages, STEM programs, movies, book clubs, tech classes and more!
Fortunately, Covid cases and hospitalizations have dropped dramatically since December.As a result and based on revised guidance, beginning March 1, 2022 masks will be optional inside the library. We acknowledge that everyone has a unique circumstance and we respect each individual’s choice regarding masking at this time. Staff will continue to provide curbside pick-up for interested patrons – just call when you arrive and we will bring your requested items out to the table.
In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. Check out our display going up this month featuring stories about and by women. You can also celebrate the contribution of women by joining the Women in Music lecture/concert via zoom on March 3rd.
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November 1, 2021
This is the time of year when we all take a moment to reflect on what we are thankful for. I am thankful for our entire staff, our Board of Trustees and the volunteers of the Friends of the Library. I am also grateful for you – the community of readers, makers, and visitors that come together to create our library vibrant!
Many of us will gather with friends during the holiday season. If you are looking for new recipes to share check out our very extensive cookbook section, including many new titles like Cook, Eat, Repeat by Nigella Lawson and Baking with Dorie: Sweet, Salty & Simple by Dorie Greenspan. If you are interested in exploring your family history you may want to check out Ancestry.com for free with your library card – email the Reference Department for the password. This is just one of the many digital resources you can access from home or in the library. If you’d like to give homemade gifts to friends and family, check out the crafting tutorials from Creativebug.
Our family often plays games when we get together. Did you know that we have a collection of board games, videogames and STEM kits that you can borrow? November 7-13 is International Games Week so now is a perfect time to learn a new game. We will be adding to this collection in the next few months.
Please note our holiday hours. Wishing you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season!
Laura Leonard, Library Director
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September 9, 2021
Please note our updated mask policy. All those visiting the Wyckoff Public Library will be required to wear a mask when inside the building, regardless of vaccination status.We continue to review data and guidance from local, state and federal agencies and adjust policies accordingly in order to balance service to our community with the safety of our community members and our staff. According to data provided by the CDC the current transmission rates for Bergen County are HIGH. The policy requiring all visitors to wear a mask while in the library will remain in effect until further notice, but please know that we continually review all the information available.
As a reminder, please review our Patron Rules of Conduct – Health Emergency Addendum before stopping by.
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August 5, 2021
The library strives to maintain a healthy environment for visitors and staff. We do this by heeding the recommendations of public health experts. The library has been closely monitoring health advisories from federal, state, county and local health agencies. Despite great strides against Covid-19, transmission rates and cases are increasing. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that all visitors, even those who are fully vaccinated, wear masks when inside the library.
The library continues to require visitors who are NOT fully vaccinated to wear masks.
On July 27th, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) announced new recommendations for mask wearing. These guidelines were announced in response to the Delta variant and rising infection rates. These new guidelines recommend that fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. Recent CDC data shows Bergen County to be in the ‘substantial’ risk category, thus triggering these recommendations. You can use the CDC online tool to see the risk levels for Bergen County. The NJ Governor’s office followed the CDC announcement with a strong recommendation that fully vaccinated people also wear masks indoors in high or substantial risk areas.
We will continue to communicate changes in our health policies. The library will adjust guidelines in accordance with public health recommendations. Hopefully conditions improve soon.
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June 21, 2021
Today we look back to June 21, 2020 when the library reopened with Doorside service, moving to walk-in service on July 8th. We have been welcoming patrons for the last year with no closures – thank you to our visitors and staff for adhering to safety guidelines!
We continue to expand and restore services in accordance with guidance provided by public health experts. You are welcome to come in and browse, pick up requested items or ask staff to place your items doorside – whatever is right for you.
We are looking forward to an exciting summer during which we will offer a combination of outdoor programs, virtual programs and summer reading clubs for all ages. Registration begins on June 28th and runs through August 31st. Keep an eye out for the next newsletter listing all of our July events.
Current health & safety policies:
- The length of library visits is not limited – stay as long as you’d like.
- Computer access is extended to 1 hour with a 30 min extension if no one is waiting.
- OPACs will be available (Online Public Access Computers) for you to check the library catalog and place requests.
- Newspapers will be shelved for public access
- Seating will be returned throughout the adult area for working, reading and private study. No tutoring will be permitted at this time.
- Returned items may be returned inside at the Circulation Desk or to the outdoor Book Drop. Items will be checked in that day.
- The History Room will be open for quiet study with a maximum of 3 patrons at a time.
- The board game and video game console collection will be available for checkout.
- Fully vaccinated visitors and employees may wear a mask while inside the Wyckoff Public Library, but are not required to.
- Not fully vaccinated visitors and employees must wear a mask while inside the Wyckoff Library.
- Children under two are not required to wear a mask per CDC guidance.
We ask for your continued cooperation so that everyone can feel as comfortable as possible while in the library. We will keep you informed of changes to policies as they are made.
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June, 1 2021
We are happy to announce that we have restored many services beginning June 1st and will be re-introducing others over the next weeks and months. Our staff and trustees thank you for your patience and consideration throughout the past 14 months. We are thankful that our library was able to provide uninterrupted in-person service since last June in conjunction with our virtual services.
You are welcome to come in and browse, pick up requested items or ask staff to place your items doorside – whatever is right for you. Throughout the summer the library will offer a combination of outdoor, virtual and “to-go” programming for all ages. Keep an eye on your inbox for summer reading announcements later this month.
As of June 1st
- The length of library visits is not limited – stay as long as you’d like.
- Computer access is extended to 1 hour with a 30 min extension if no one is waiting.
- OPACs will be available (Online Public Access Computers) for you to check the library catalog and place requests
- Newspapers will be shelved for public access
- Seating will be returned throughout the adult area for working, reading and private study. No tutoring will be permitted at this time.
- Returned items will be checked in on the day of the return
- The History Room will be open for quiet study with a maximum of 3 patrons at a time
- The board game and video game console collection will be available for checkout
For the time being we will continue to require masks be worn by all patrons and staff in the library. We welcome people of all ages to share the space, many of whom are not yet eligible for vaccination. We ask for your continued cooperation so that everyone can feel as comfortable as possible while in the library. We will keep you informed of changes to policies as they are made.
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March 1, 2021
In March we will welcome spring and we continue to welcome our community! You may visit in person to browse, pick-up holds, retrieve a book bundle, or seek reference assistance. Our complete hours can be found here. In order to comply with current safety measures we ask that in person visits do not exceed one hour per day.
The staff continues to host and coordinate many programs. Sign up on our online calendar. We also welcome you to check out the thousands of items from our digital collections, as well the variety of online databases including Ancestry, Morningstar, New York Times and our newest, Creativebug.
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July 20, 2020
The library is taking steps, with safety in mind, to continue to expand our services. Doorside Pickup, Online Events and Digital Collections will be offered throughout the summer.
Earlier this month we welcomed patrons back into the building on a limited basis, with a priority on borrowing materials and seeking reference assistance and readers advisory. Thank you to everyone who reviewed our new guidelines and cooperated, it was wonderful to see you! For those of you who haven’t visited yet, please read the new temporary rules listed below and posted on our website. Policies will be adjusted based on the health situation. Doorside Pickup is still available if you’d prefer to receive your items that way.
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July 6, 2020
Hello everyone,
The library is taking steps, with safety in mind, to continue to expand our services. Doorside Pickup, Online Events and Digital Collections will be offered throughout the summer.
On Wednesday, July 8 patrons will be allowed into the library to borrow materials. In order to welcome you all back safely and in compliance with occupancy limits set by the state, there are new temporary rules in place listed below and on our website. Policies will be adjusted based on the health situation.
For the safety of our patrons and staff and in compliance with New Jersey guidelines, the following policies take effect immediately. These policies are designed to mitigate germ spread, encourage social distancing and allow the Library to satisfy occupancy limits. Non-compliance will result in patrons exiting the building.
- Masks that completely cover the mouth and nose are required while in the Library. Hands, shirts, or other clothing are not acceptable face coverings. Staff will offer doorside pickup and online access for patrons who are unwilling or unable to comply with the code.
- Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet from other patrons and staff at all times.
- No more than 50 patrons are allowed in the Library at one time. Only five members of a household may enter at one time.
- Family groups should stay together. Children aged ten and under must be attended by a responsible caregiver (age 18 or over) at all times while in the library. Children aged eleven and twelve must have a responsible caregiver (or older sibling age 18 or over) present in the building.
- No individual may remain inside the Library building for more than one hour.
- Public computer sessions are limited to 30 minutes. Computer use is available on a first come first serve basis.
- Patrons should return items into the library bookdrop.
- All meeting rooms are closed.
- Tutoring is not permitted.
- No food or drink.
- Outside furniture may not be brought into the Library.
All other patron rules remain in effect.
Provisionally approved June 2020. Formally adopted July 22, 2020.
All other patron rules remain in effect.
KEEP READING, LISTENING & WATCHINGWe continue to add titles to our vast digital library. Go to the Digital Collections tab to read about these collections and view written instructions or a video tutorial. You can borrow books/audiobooks for children, teens and adults, magazines, and videos.
We are happy to announce that while access to our building is limited you will be able to access Ancestry.com from home! The library provides online access to additional databases including: Rosetta Stone, New York Times, Consumer Reports and thousands of magazines. If you have questions please email: ref@wyckoff.bccls.org.
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June 15, 2020
Hello everyone,
We want to thank you for your continued patience and support. Hopefully you have been able to take advantage of the library’s digital collections, virtual programs, book recommendations, tutorials and videos prepared by our staff while our building has been closed. In May, the library loaned just under 4,000 digital items and our Facebook page had over 13,700 views.
Last week, during Phase 2 of Reopening Plan, staff members were able to return to the building in staggered groups and begin accepting returns through the book drop. Staff had the opportunity to implement new safety protocols & procedures.
On Friday afternoon Governor Murphy announced at his press conference that curbside library service could begin this week. The Executive Order authorizing this service was posted late on Sunday. As a result, the library may now transition to Phase 3 of our Reopening Plan which includes the provision of contact free delivery of physical materials. This plan prioritizes the safety of our patrons and staff. We are excited to phase in services that will increase access to our materials for Wyckoff residents. Here are details for the upcoming week.
JUNE 15-16: RETURNS & CONTACT FREE PICK-UP OF EXISTING HOLDS
There are currently over 8,000 items checked out from our library! Please be patient with staff as we manage them.
- The building remains closed to the public.
- The book drop is open, but you do not need to return items immediately. Items will not be due until 2 weeks after the library reopens. Automatic renewals will continue.
- Items will be quarantined for 72 hours before staff checks them in.
- No overdue fines will be charged through August 31.
- If the book drop is jammed, please call the library so that we can attend to it or return items another day. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ITEMS ON THE GROUND.
- Requested items that were not picked-up prior to our closure will be made available. You will receive notification via email, text or phone when the item is ready.
- After receiving your notification, come to the library between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and park in a designated spot. Call us at 201-891-4866 and we will put your items on a table by the main entrance.
JUNE 17-19: RETURNS, CONTACT FREE PICK-UP, NEW REQUESTS DURING LIMITED HOURS
- The building remains closed to the public.
- Returns continue as described above.
- Previous holds can be picked-up as described above.
- New requests can be placed via the library catalog or by phone.
- Please limit requests to 5 items per card per day for the time being.
- You will receive notification via email, text or phone when the item is ready. Please note that not all requests will be filled immediately and weekend requests may take longer for staff to respond to.
- After receiving your notification, come to the library between 10:00 – 4:00 PM and park in a designated spot. Call us at 201-891-4866 and we will put your items on a table by the main entrance.
- Note – patrons will only have access to the items the Wyckoff Library owns. Inter-library loan from other BCCLS libraries will not begin immediately. We will post an announcement once that service is reinstated.
JUNE 22: RESUMPTION OF REGULAR MONDAY – SATURDAY HOURS, RETURNS, CONTACT FREE PICK-UP & SUMMER READING CLUBS BEGIN
- The building remains closed to the public.
- Returns continue as described above.
- Previous holds can be picked-up as described above.
- New requests can be placed as described above
- NOTE THE EXPANDED HOURS: After receiving your notification, come to the library one hour after opening – one hour prior to closing and park in a designated spot. Call us at 201-891-4866 and we will put your items on a table by the main entrance.
We appreciate your patience as our staff initiates this new service. We are eager to offer this new service and will be sure to do so in the safest way possible for our staff and community. There may be a few bumps in the road, but we will navigate them together. If you have questions please email or call 201-891-4866. We will continue to post updates to our website & social media.
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May 25, 2020
Hello everyone,
Today, despite the changes in our celebrations, we honor all those who have sacrificed in service of our country and allowed our community to flourish.
Our staff hopes that you are all staying well and will consider taking advantage of the many opportunities to connect with staff & neighbors online.We love seeing you (even through screens) during book clubs, art classesand lectures and hearing from you on our social media pages. Check our calendar to register for upcoming programs. Be sure to follow us on socialmedia for interactive, informative and fun posts.
The staff and Board of Trustees are planning for the time when the library can resume in-person services based on information and guidance from the Governor, County and Township officials. Although I cannot share anexact timeline at the moment, I assure you that we are actively preparingto serve residents while keeping your safety and that of the staff our priority. Services will be modified to offer maximum social distancing. Staff will institute new procedures, including the quarantining of returned materials and curbside pick-up. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding.
If you have questions, email or call 201-891-4866 and we will get back to you.
Sincerely,
Laura Leonard, Library Director
DID YOU MISS IT?
Although our schedules have changed, there are still times when we are double booked or just can’t get to a program. Check out our YouTube channel to watch one of the tech tutorials, storytimes, songs, experiments or readings our staff has created.
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May 4, 2020
Hello everyone,
I hope that everyone is doing well. The library staff continues to schedule programs and order new materials that you can access from home while we wait for the time when we can safely re-open. Please be sure to keep in touch.
STAYING CONNECTED
Check our calendarto register for upcoming programs. Be sure to follow us on social media for interactive, informative and fun posts.
DID YOU MISS IT?
Although our schedules have changed, there are still times when we are double booked or just can’t get to a program. Check out our YouTube channel to watch the Decluttering webinar presented by organizing expert Jamie Novak and the Kick Your Sugar Habit presentation by Jessica Kishpaugh, Certified Holisitc Nutritionist & Life Coach.
Did you want to re-watch one of the tech tutorials, storytimes, songs, experiments or readings our staff has created? Instead of scrolling through our Facebook page check our Youtube channel and subscribe.
We miss welcoming you into the library, but we will continue to serve the wonderful community of Wyckoff while we face new challenges together. Please go to our website wyckofflibrary.org for information, call 201-891-4866 and we will return your message or email director@wyckoff.bccls.org.
ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE
If you are not already subscribed to the Township’s newsletter click here to do so. You will receive information & updates in your inbox each Friday.
If you live or work in Wyckoff and your children have unmet needs please visit the Love Fund website for a completely confidential assessment.
If you are a Wyckoff resident unable to shop or cook for yourself due to age or illness, please contact Meals on Wheels/Alma Mader at (201) 891-4840.
For additional help and services please visit https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/departments-and-services/human-services.
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April 6, 2020
Hello everyone,
The Wyckoff Public Library’s building is closed, but we are still here for you!
We are also posting a recommended Book of the Day on our Facebook and Instagram stories, as well as providing tutorials and ideas for activities and resources you can check out from home.
We are happy to announce that while we are closed to the public you will be able to access Ancestry.com from home! The library provides online access to additional databases including: Rosetta Stone, New York Times, Consumer Reports and thousands of magazines. If you have questions please email: ref@wyckoff.bccls.org.
Please hold onto all library material until it is safe for us to reopen. No items will be due during this time and the book drop is closed. We miss welcoming you into the library, but we will continue to serve the wonderful community of Wyckoff while we face new challenges together. Please go to our website wyckofflibrary.org for information, call 201-891-4866 and we will return your message or email director@wyckoff.bccls.org.
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March 21, 2020
Dear Wyckoff Public library patrons and community members,
It has been a week since the library made the difficult, but necessary decision to close to the public. Please hold onto items until it is safe for us to reopen. No items will be due during this time and the book drop is closed. We miss welcoming you into the library, but we will continue to serve the wonderful community of Wyckoff while we face new challenges together. Staff is working to answer your questions and provide service through our digital collections, website and social media channels.
KEEP READING, LISTENING & WATCHING
The library is purchasing additional ebooks and eaudiobooks for Libby/Overdrive and increased the number of allowable monthly checkouts from Hoopla and Kanopy. Visit our Digital Collections page to read about these collections and view written instructions or a video tutorial to help you get started. The library also provides online access to magazine, newspaper and journal articles. We will continue to monitor usage so that we can provide you with the materials you need.
ONLINE LIBRARY CARD APPLICATION
We want everyone to enjoy our collections. If you, a family member, a friend or a neighbor needs a library card please use this online form to apply. Our staff will issue you a temporary card with an expiration date of May 31. Once the library reopens we will ask new card holders to stop in with a form of ID so that we can verify their Wyckoff address and extend the expiration date. If you have questions please email: wyckcirc@bccls.org.
STAYING CONNECTED
Although we can’t be together in person, we will continue to offer a variety of programs. Some of you may have already seen our staff’s Storytime, Merry Music Makers, Birthday Shout Outs from Bookster and Tech Tutorials on Facebook or participated in Tai Chi via Zoom. We are also posting a recommended Book of the Day on our Facebook and Instagram stories. Continue to follow us on social media as we add more programs.
AT HOME RESOURCES
Our staff has started gathering resources that will allow you to access books, explore virtual museums, take an art class, view a performance or visit a zoo. Please check out the At Home Resources page often as we continue to add to it.
INFORMATION YOU NEED
The library will post and share vital information for our community related to health, taxes, employment and more. Today, New Jersey launched the New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub which has important updates, information, and resources.
Our staff wishes you all the best and looks forward to welcoming you back into the library as soon as we are able! In the meantime, please stay connected through email, our website and social media.
Be well,
Laura Leonard
Director
Wyckoff Public Library
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March 21, 2020
Check the New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub for important updates, information, and resources. Another helpful site is the Law Library of Congress Resource Guide.
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March 21, 2020
Based on the Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 107 staff will now be working from home. Please email ref@wyckoff.bccls.org or wyckcirc@bccls.org with any questions or if you need help with our resources. Also feel free to message us on Facebook or Instagram. Check our At Home Resources page for library tutorials and resources for adults and kids. It will be updated regularly.
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March 13, 2020
Out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to protect the high-risk populations that we serve, as well as minimize the potential exposure/transmission of COVID-19, the library will close to the public starting 5pm Saturday, March 14 with a tentative reopening date of Monday, March 30. Due dates will be automatically extended. Borrow online books, movies,music & magazines: https://bit.ly/38O1Hb2
Email us at: wyckcirc@bccls.org or ref@wyckoff.bccls.org with questions.
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March 12, 2020
The Wyckoff Library continues to monitor information about the coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of staff and library patrons is our priority. We are following guidelines and recommendations from local, county, state and federal officials.
In an abundance of caution and in order to promote the health of the entire community The Wyckoff Public Library is heeding guidelines regarding social distancing as relates to COVID-19. Social distancing is proven to help slow the spread of disease and can reduce the health impacts. The CDC
defines social distancing as “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.”
In order to facilitate social distancing the following measures are being taken:
- All programs and special events will be suspended from March 12- March 31. This includes library sponsored events for children, teens and adults as well as events by outside groups.
- Computers and seating have been reconfigured, with fewer available for use.
- Payment for fines, fees, or printing/copying should be made with credit or debit, if possible. Cash handling is limited.
- We are asking patrons and staff to keep a 4 to 6 foot distance from others, including while staff are assisting patrons with questions.
- Books should be returned by book drop where possible, rather than staff checking them in.
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March 11, 2020
Dear Wyckoff Public library patrons and community members,
The Wyckoff Library is a community center that welcomes many people to our building every day. We strive to provide a welcoming and safe environment. In order to accomplish this mission while balancing recent health concerns related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are offering sources for verified information for the public and staff so that they can make well informed decisions, as well as following specific procedures to help control the spread. The safety and well-being of our library patrons and staff is our utmost priority.
The situation is changing quickly and the library aims to be prepared to respond in a timely and responsible manner. Updates will be posted to a dedicated page on our website and shared to social media. We will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with Township officials.
Sharing accurate and reliable information is crucial to stop the spread of misinformation. Please visit the following sites for current, vetted information:
Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus Disease 2019
New Jersey Department of Health
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
When evaluating information regarding COVID-19, or any other health matter, please consider the following:
- source/site/author
- date/timeliness
- are there supporting sources
You can also help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community healthy. If you are not feeling well, or are exhibiting signs of the flu, stay home and refrain from attending library programs. Practice thorough hand washing, cover coughs and sneezes and refrain from touching your face.
- Contact the library via phone (201) 891-4866 or email wyckcirc@bccls.org to extend due dates if you are unable to return materials. Overdue fines will not be charged in the case of illness.
- Continue to read, watch, & listen to library materials at home!
- Books & audio books (Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla)
- Movies & TV Shows (Kanopy, Overdrive)
- Magazines (RB Digital)
- Music (Hoopla)
We also provide online access to magazine, newspaper, and journal articles. Information about our digital collections can be found here https://wyckofflibrary.org/digital-collections/ and here https://wyckofflibrary.org/information-services/research-databases/
The library is taking the following measures:
- Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes have been made available at all service desks throughout the building.
- Hand washing instructions produced by the CDC have been posted at each bathroom and at the Circulation Desk.
- Efforts to sanitize and clean “high touch” surfaces have increased. Staff are focusing on keyboards, mice, doorknobs, tables and chairs.
- Additional funding is being put towards digital collections so that patrons may continue to access materials from home.
- Staff has latex free gloves available for our use or by patrons who request them.
Call the NJ Coronavirus & Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253 if using out-of-state phone line. Trained healthcare professionals are standing by to answer your call 24/7 or visit nj.gov/health