NJ COVID Update: Fairleigh Dickinson University mandates vaccines, Red Bulls welcoming fans

Coronavirus Update New Jersey

Friday, April 16, 2021

Fairleigh Dickinson U. mandates vaccines, Red Bulls welcoming fans

The Red Bulls soccer team will allow fans in the stands beginning Saturday, and colleges Fairleigh Dickinson are preparing to welcome back students at full capacity in the fall

NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- With more and more people getting vaccinated, there are signs of life returning to some version of what was once normal.

In New Jersey, the Red Bulls soccer team will allow fans in the stands beginning Saturday. And colleges are preparing to welcome back students at full capacity in the fall.

But for many, that also means mandatory vaccinations to return to campus.

Fairleigh Dickinson University won't have a buzzing campus again for awhile, but those attending classes will be required to get the COVID-19 shot.

ALSO READ | Best friends in New Jersey accepted into multiple Ivy League schools

These two best friends will both be first-generation college students and say they owe their success to their families.

The decision applies to all campuses, and the university is still trying get its staff and professors on board.

"While we will of course allow exemptions for medical and religious reasons when warranted, we expect that the vast majority of students, faculty, and staff will be fully vaccinated by the time we open in the fall, and that our campuses will have reached herd immunity by then," school officials said in a statment.

Former Governor Chris Christie is encouraging everybody to get vaccinated, as the state prepares to make eligibility open eligibility to anyone 16 years and older starting Monday.

Governor Phil Murphy toured a vaccine site in Red Bank Friday, as the state pushes forward with immunizations.

ALSO READ | Dog rescued after getting paw stuck in escalator at Journal Square PATH Station

Port Authority Police officers Anthony Manfrendini and Matthew Maiello say they heard the dog's yelping and its owners panicked screams Wednesday after 1 p.m. at the Journal Square Path Station in Jersey City.

Red Bull Stadium will be open at 15% capacity for the home opener Saturday, even though the outdoor limit is 30%. Team officials say safety is their biggest concern.

"Our priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our fans, players and staff," the team said in a statement. "We have worked closely with state and local health and government officials to implement industry-leading measures to ensure everyone's safety at Red Bull Arena."

Masks are social distancing are required, and the team has added safety enhancements. CLICK HERE to learn more.