UpdatedThu, Apr 22, 2021 at 12:31 pm ET Replies(208) (Chris Pedota/Gannett) NEW JERSEY — State Health officials say the state is still "struggling" to manage the pandemic since the latest data shows New Jersey remains wedged inside a COVID-19 hot zone, and it's currently ranked first in the U.S. in coronavirus deaths per capita over the past week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli told the state Assembly Budget Committee on Wednesday that the trend could continue to slow the pace of reopenings or capacity expansions while the state continues to address problems at long-term care facilities and nursing homes.