The "Independent Review of New Jersey’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic," conducted by Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP, is a comprehensive review that evaluates New Jersey’s preparedness, response and lessons learned during the pandemic. It also provides recommendations to enhance future emergency management.

Jon L. Gelman

The following is a summary of the report's key findings and recommendations.

Pre-pandemic preparedness

The report highlights that New Jersey and the nation were unprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite having a century to learn from the 1918 influenza pandemic, the lack of robust plans and resources hindered an adequate response. 

• Recommendation: New Jersey must invest in pre-pandemic preparedness by developing clear, executable plans, ensuring adequate health care infrastructure and stockpiling essential medical supplies.

Healthcare infrastructure and resources

The state faced challenges due to an inadequate health care infrastructure and scarcity of basic medical supplies.

• Recommendation: Strengthen health care systems, improve resource allocation and establish mechanisms to manage limited resources during crises. This includes bolstering staffing, training and supply chains.

Workplace measures

The report doesn’t explicitly focus on workplace measures, but its recommendations indirectly impact workplaces.

• Recommendation: Implement workplace-specific guidelines, such as:
  • Hygiene protocols. Regular handwashing, sanitization and surface cleaning.
  • Social distancing. Maintain physical distance in workplaces.
  • Mask usage. Encourage or mandate mask-wearing to reduce transmission.
  • Ventilation. Improve indoor air quality to minimize virus spread.
  • Testing and tracing. Regular testing and efficient contact tracing.
  • Vaccination. Promote vaccination among employees.
  • Remote work. Encourage telecommuting where feasible.
  • Sick leave policies. Ensure employees can stay home when ill without repercussions.
  • Isolation areas. Designate spaces for employees showing symptoms.
  • Education and training. Educate employees about COVID-19 prevention.
  • Monitoring and compliance. Regularly assess and enforce safety measures.

By implementing these recommendations, workplaces can significantly reduce disease transmission and protect employees.

Pandemic preparedness

The independent review serves as a critical playbook for New Jersey, guiding the state toward better preparedness for future crises. Let us learn from this experience and take proactive steps to avoid similar challenges in the future.

Claimants' attorney Jon L. Gelman is the author of "New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Law" and co-author of the national treatise "Modern Workers’ Compensation Law." He is based in Wayne, New Jersey. This blog post is republished with permission.