3 Ways NJ Is Showing Big Progress In Coronavirus Outbreak

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a Saturday news conference, showed three ways New Jersey is making big progress in the coronavirus crisis as he gets ready to make a decision on schools. Murphy spoke as state and county parks reopened this weekend (you can watch it here, below).

The updates comes as Murphy said on Saturday that he plans to hold a news conference at 12 noon on Monday, and will likely address his decision on schools. Patch will cover it live. "We will give you that guidance on Monday," he said. "We want to get this right." Read more: Gov. Murphy To Make Decision On NJ Schools In Coronavirus Crisis

Murphy also announced 2,912 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, raising the overall total to 123,717. The governor also reported 205 more deaths, raising that "unfathomable" total to 7,742. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

In the coronavirus crisis, Murphy said the trend lines are pointing in the right direction, and he hopes they will eventually lead to a "responsible" opening of New Jersey economy as soon as possible. He has said he hopes for a reopening in June or July.

"We need to keep seeing these lines moving in these directions before we can put New Jersey on the road back and before we are able to responsibly restart our economy, Murphy said. "Public health creates economic health."

Here are three ways New Jersey has made big progress, Murphy said:

Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations have trended downward, particularly over the last week. The number of hospitalizations have dropped by 1,000 in one week, or about 18 percent, to 5,713.

The number of new hospitalizations dropped to 378 for one day on Saturday, among the lowest nubmers in weeks. Here are two graphics that show the trend lines:

Hospitalizations have dropped particularly in North and Central Jersey, though the same figure has risen a little in South Jersey:

Decline in overall number of cases

After routinely exceeding 3,500 new cases a day – and even peaking above 4,000 at times – New Jersey's daily case averages fell below 3,000 all week.

"Heat map"

The "heat map" that shows counties and their rate of doubling of new cases has dropped dramatically over the past week.

Nine of New Jersey's counties now see their cases double every 30 days or more. A month ago, cases in those same counties every day.

Those same counties have also improved since a little more than a week ago, when Murphy said New Jersey briefly "backslid" on the heat map. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ 'Backslides' In Coronavirus Outbreak

Two maps show the progress between April 24 and May 2. Here is May 2:

Here is April 24:

The heat map "continues to get lighter and lighter as the rate of doubling of cases continues to slow," Murphy said. "We'll be watching these charts to see (what happens) as we reopen our parks."

So far, Murphy said, reports of park behavior on Saturday was "so far, so good."

Murphy also paid tribute to those who died:

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.

Watch Murphy here:

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Here's what else you should know:

• Murphy offered a broad reopening plan on Monday, April 27, providing a six-point outline to "restart New Jersey and put the state on the road to recovery." Read more: Gov. Murphy Issues 6-Point NJ Reopen Plan In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order on Saturday, March 21, closing all non-essential business. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• Murphy announced on Monday, May 4 that schools will close for the rest of the academic year because of the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: New Jersey Schools Closed For Rest Of Academic Year: Gov. Murphy
• Murphy ordered stores across New Jersey on Wednesday, April 8 to require shoppers to wear face coverings or masks. Here's how you can get yours, and how the new rule will be enforced. Read more: NJ Shoppers Must Wear Masks: Where To Get Them, How It's Enforced
• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• Murphy said during a live press conference on Wednesday, March 25 that he's ordering many day care centers to shut amid the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: Gov. Murphy To Shut Many Day Care Centers Amid Coronavirus Crisis
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory for New Jersey. Read more: CDC Travel Advisory For NJ: No Coronavirus Travel Ban From Trump

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses. This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.