Gov. Murphy: NJ Malls Closing Due To Coronavirus, 89 New Cases

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday ordered closing all indoor malls and amusement parks and centers in New Jersey as 89 new cases were reported (watch the press conference below).

Murphy said he's closing all the indoor malls and amusement parks and centers at 8 p.m. on Tuesday and for the duration of the crisis.

"This is how we will be able to stay strong," Murphy said.

Murphy said he's also asked the Trump administration for help in setting up temporary hospitals since he's expecting local facilities to be inundated with patients. He also suggested using college dormitories as quarantine centers.

The state has also been taking it on the chin economically, too. The Department of Labor had received so many applications on Monday that the system crashed, according to the Department of Labor.

Murphy said the total number of cases has reached 267 now that 89 more cases were reported.

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli broke down the cases by county:

• Bergen 23
• Essex 11
• Gloucester 2
• Hudson 6
• Hunterdon 3
• Mercer 3
• Middlesex 5
• Monmouth 8
• Morris 1
• Ocean 1
• Passaic 1
• Somerset 2
• Union 7

Sixteen cases are under review, Persichilli said.

She said 55 percent of New Jersey patients who have been diagnosed with the illness are hospitalized. Some of them are directly linked to previously confirmed cases, while some are not, indicating that there is "community transmission" of the coronavirus.

Watch Murphy and other officials present an update:

Murphy already closed non-essential businesses on Monday. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

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 has declared a state of emergency, which allows his administration to expand its powers to treat the illness. Read more: NJ Gov. Murphy Declares State Of Emergency Because Of Coronavirus
• 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
• The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission also extended expiration dates for driver licenses, registrations and inspection stickers. Read more: NJ Driver's License Changes Because Of Coronavirus Outbreak
• PSE&G is giving financially struggling customers a break in "the interest of protecting public health." Read more: PSEG Stops Gas, Electric Shut-Offs As NJ Copes With Coronavirus

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.