Governor Phil Murphy has launched an independent review of the state’s response to COVID-19, including the state of readiness in early 2020, and how the state responded to the many challenges that emerged over the last three years. The state commissioned two outside firms, the law firm Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads, a Philadelphia firm led by a Republican former assistant state attorney general, and Boston Consulting Group, a Massachusetts Management Consulting firm, to conduct the review.
The comprehensive review of the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic will include, but not be limited to, the state of readiness in New Jersey for a pandemic in early 2020, prominent emergency policy decisions that were made by the government, the pandemic response with respect to vulnerable residents, and the state government’s efforts to continue core functions, including providing direct services to residents. It will also examine the management of public health aspects of the pandemic, including testing, vaccinations, personal protective equipment and distribution, and coordination of the health care system and of health information around COVID-19. The review will conclude with a report due in late 2023 and will contain recommendations for enhancements and reforms to better prepare the State for the next public health crisis.
