Gov. Murphy: Masks Now Required At NJ Stores As 275 More Die

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy imposed strong restrictions on Wednesday – such as wearing masks or face coverings at stores – saying New Jersey isn't ready to reopen and is "not on any plateau." He imposed tougher rules as the Garden State once again had its deadliest day: 275 deaths, though the daily number of new cases dipped to 3,088 (you can watch it here, below).

Murphy said he's ordering employees and customers of essential stores, such as supermarkets, to wear masks or face coverings, and all essential retail must limit the number of customers to 50 percent of their approved capacity. If the stores don't behave, "that 50 percent will go down," he said.

Stores also must make their employees wear gloves. Here's how you can get your masks or face coverings, and how the new rule will be enforced. Read more: NJ Shoppers Must Wear Masks: Where To Get Them, How It's Enforced

The stores also must impose special shopping hours for high-risk groups and erect physical barriers between cashiers and baggers. "This is one set of rules for everybody," he said.

Murphy said he hopes people "get asked to leave" if they're not wearing a mask or face covering inside a store. But the Murphy administration clarified the rule, saying if somebody enters a supermarket without one, they can still access the store – espcially if there is a medical reason – only the store can limit their time and contact.

Murphy, however, suggested he will discuss the matter with his legal team, saying: "I'm on the side of, frankly, you don't come in," unless it's a medical reason.

The update comes as the outbreak continues to spread in New Jersey. The Garden State now has 47,437 and 1,504 deaths. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Stop & Shop had already announced on Wednesday tighter restrictions as the stores push to promote additional social distancing amid the ongoing outbreak of the new coronavirus. Read more: Stop & Shop Limiting Number Of Customers In Stores In Coronavirus

Murphy also ordered all non-essential construction to cease at 8 p.m. Friday. The exceptions would be hospitals, schools, transportation, utilities and affordable housing, he said.

Murphy suggested there may be a flattening of the curve of cases since the daily number has fallen over the week. However, despite the dip in cases from Tuesday – when there were 3,361 – Murphy said: "We're not on any plateau."

Murphy urged residents to avoid having gatherings for Easter and Passover this week, encouraging people to get together "virtually."

We have got to stay home and stay away from each other," he said. "We will have to get creative."

Murphy also defended his controversial decision to close county and state parks, and Sandy Hook also closed on Wednesday, saying: "My job is the safety and security of the 9 million folks who call New Jersey their home."

On Tuesday, Murphy announced the controversial decision to close all state and county parks in New Jersey. And on Wednesday, the federal government followed suit, announcing it is shutting down public access to Gateway National Park at Sandy Hook as well. Read more: Gateway National Park/Sandy Hook Closes In Midst Of Coronavirus

Also, New Jersey's June primary is being delayed from June 2 to July 7. Read more: NJ's Primary To Be Delayed As Coronavirus Toll Rises

Murphy said the new date will allow in-person voting because hopefully the outbreak won't be as severe by then. He also said it would give New Jersey more time to get ready for mail-in voting.

Watch Murphy here:

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Here's what else you should know:

• State health officials said they believe the virus is "community-spread" in New Jersey. "Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order, closing all non-essential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced that all schools would close on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
• 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
• Murphy issued an executive order on Thursday, March 19 to ensure voters can exercise their right to vote without risking their health and safety. Read more: Coronavirus Alters NJ Election Procedure, Moves Election Dates
• The first person in New Jersey to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor
• 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
• State Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced on Saturday, March 14 that municipal court sessions will be suspended.
• The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it's also closing temporarily. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus
• A new report from ProPublica says New Jersey hospitals would be hard pressed to meet demand – even in a best-case scenario – if the coronavirus outbreak surges. Read more: NJ Hospitals Lack Beds For Coronavirus Surge: Report
• Four members of the same New Jersey family died from the coronavirus, according to March 19 reports. Read more: 4 In Same Family, Including 3 In NJ, Die Of Coronavirus: Reports
• The deadline for Americans to file federal taxes was moved from April 15 to July 15, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin tweeted on Friday, March 20. Read more: Federal Tax Day Postponed To July 15 Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
• After two FEMA sites opened, officials said five more counties will be getting coronavirus testing sites. Read more: Coronavirus Drive-Through Testing Sites To Open In 5 NJ Counties

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.