May 20, 2021
Edwin J. Torres/New Jersey Office of the Governor
Gov. Phil Murphy started the 'Operation Jersey Summer' initiative earlier this month to get more residents vaccinated against COVID-19 as the state pushed forward with its reopening plans.
Interested in a glass of wine on the house, free access to state parks for the rest of the year or dinner with Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy? Well, get vaccinated against COVID-19, the governor said.
New Jersey rolled out new incentives on Wednesday for residents getting vaccinated against COVID-19 as the state pushes to have as many as 4.7 million adults fully inoculated by the end of June.
"Millions of New Jerseyans have rolled up their sleeves and received a vaccination to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19, but there is still much work to be done in order to reach our goal of 4.7 million fully vaccinated New Jersey adults by June 30," Murphy said. "We are determined to reach our vaccination goals and make this the best Jersey summer yet."
Starting May 27, New Jersey will offer free passes to its 51 state parks and forest facilities to residents who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose by July 4. These passes will allow residents to freely enter and access state parks and forests without being charged with walk-in or parking fees. The pass will be good through the rest of the year and holds the same value as an annual state park pass.
Residents can request a free pass upon entry at any state park and may need their COVID-19 vaccination card when doing so. New Jersey will also provide refunds to fully-vaccinated residents who already bought annual state park passes. A full list of state parks and forests, of which about 18 are located across South Jersey, can be accessed on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's website.
New Jersey residents ages 21 and older who receive their first COVID-19 vaccine dose in May can visit one of nine participating wineries to receive a free glass of wine. Adults must show their COVID-19 vaccination card in order to receive the complimentary drink.
Seven of the nine participating wineries can be found in South Jersey.
•Bellview Winery, Landisville
•DiMatteo Vineyards, Hammonton
•Tomasello Winery, Hammonton
•White Horse Winery, Hammonton
•Amalthea Cellars, Atco
•Auburn Road Vineyards, Pilesgrove
•Salem Oak Vineyards, Pedricktown
Starting Wednesday, anyone ages 18 and older who has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose in New Jersey can enter to win a dinner with the governor and the first lady (along with a guest). The winner will have a choice between having dinner at Drumthwacket, the official governor's residence in Princeton, or the governor's residence at Island Beach State Park. Entries are due by May 31 and can be submitted on the state's website.
"Operation Jersey Summer," the statewide public awareness campaign aimed at getting all eligible people who live, work and study in New Jersey vaccinated against COVID-19, began earlier this month as the state accelerated its reopening plans and eased most of its pandemic restrictions.
Among the incentives that the initiative was already offering includes free beer at 13 breweries across the state for residents who get their first COVID-19 vaccine doses in May, walk-in appointments at New Jersey's six mega vaccinations sites to eligible residents and the "Grateful for the Shot" campaign, which has allowed people to get vaccinated after attending religious services.
More than 8.1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in New Jersey, according to the state. Over 3.93 million New Jerseyans are now fully vaccinated, putting the state about 83% of the way towards its goal of having 70% of the adult population fully vaccinated by the end of next month.
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