Gov. Murphy: 'We Are Flattening Curve' Of Coronavirus; Here's Why

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a Saturday news conference, declared that New Jersey is finally "flattening the curve" in the coronvirus crisis even as he announced 3,026 new cases and 231 more deaths. Both numbers were declines from Friday. (you can watch it live here, below).

Murphy spoke as the number of cases rose to 81,420, and 4,070 people have died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy presented several graphs, one of which showed that New Jersey is now finally discharging more people from the hospital than admitting them:

The daily growth in new cases – despite some days when they exceed 4,000 – have also leveled off:

Murphy said the daily number of hospitalizations has also slowed, saying: "The slower the rate of new cases, the slower the rate of new hospitalizations. It’s really that simple." Here's the graph:

Murphy said he will continue to show the trendlines so there is a broader and better context of the daily numbers.

"We are flattening the curve," Murphy said. "This is a credit to each and every one of you who has taken to heart our aggressive social distancing measures and who continues to do your part."

Murphy said the crisis isn't over, noting that New Jersey currently has 7,718 hospitalized with the coronavirus, 2,024 of whom are in critical and intensive care and 1,641 ventilators are in use. On Friday, 814 people were discharged.

Murphy also addressed recent commentary that the coronavirus threat has been exaggerated, that it's not worse that the flu.

"That point of view is wrong," Murphy said. "The flu has not caused the devastation our population is seeing."

New Jersey has now lost more people this year to the coronavirus that it did from the flu over the last three years combined.

Murphy noted that there are no proven therapeutics and there is no vaccine, so he's asking people to open their minds, "please open them, open them wide before you become one of the numbers I report every day."

Murphy took issue with comments made by Atlantic County Surrogate Jim Curcio, who called on local officials to "sound the alarm" and reopen New Jersey immediately without restrictions. Muphy noted that 19 people in Atlantic County have died of the coronavirus.

"That is irresponsible," Murphy said. "We untie the system right now, there will be blood on our hands." Read more: Gov. Murphy Blasts 'Irresponsible' Critics Of Coronavirus Actions

During the news conference, Murphy also paid tribute to some of the victims of the coronavirus:

Murphy identified three ways New Jersey can effectively reopen – and have children return to schools – as he addressed the coronavirus outbreak during a Friday news conference. And that reopening could mean big changes at schools – such as wearing masks – if they're allowed to reopen on May 15. Read more: Gov. Murphy Identifies 3 Ways NJ 'Reopens' In Coronavirus Crisis

Watch Murphy here:

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:

• 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
• Murphy, speaking during a Thursday, April 16 press conference, said schools will remain closed through May 15. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Schools Shut Through May 15 In Coronavirus Crisis
• 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
• New Jersey residents are expected to start receiving stimulus payments soon. Here's what you need to do beforehand. Read more: Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Payments: What You Need To Do In NJ
• On Friday, March 27, Murphy allowed more types of New Jersey businesses – including gun sellers – to operate in the coronavirus outbreak. What's open and closed now? Read more: What's Open, Closed? More NJ Business To Operate Amid Coronavirus
• Murphy announced on Tuesday, April 7 that state and county parks will close. Read more: Gov. Murphy Closes Parks On NJ Coronavirus Crisis's Deadliest Day
• Here are four urgent tasks New Jersey wants you to do during the coronavirus outbreak, including wearing a mask. And here's why. Read more: Wear A Mask! 4 Things NJ Wants You To Do In Coronavirus Outbreak

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.