Gov. Murphy Expands NJ Coronavirus Mask Order As 251 More Die

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a press conference on Saturday, said he is expanding the requirements for wearing a mask in New Jersey. He expanded his orders as he announced 3,599 new cases and 251 more deaths. (you can watch it here, below).

New Jersey now has 58,151 total cases and 2,183 have died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Customers must now wear face-coverings or masks when they're picking up takeout orders at restaurants or any food places. Those same food places must provide the personal protective equipment to their workers, too.

The mask or face-covering order only applies to people walking into a restaurant for takeout orders, he said. It doesn't apply to customers who are making curbside pickups.

The expanded order takes effect on Monday evening at 8 p.m.

Also, NJ Transit must cut its capacity on buses and trains to 50 percent of their maximum and supply workers with gloves and face coverings. Al riders must wear face coverings, too.

Murphy recognized that the new rules are an inconvenience, but he said New Jersey risks reversing the progress that's been made in reducing the presence of the coronavirus.

"We blow any chance of flattening this curve," Murphy said. "We put our health system at risk."

Murphy also said 7,618 people are hospitalized in New Jersey, and of them, 1,746 are in critical condition. He also said 1,650 ventilators are in use.

The good news, he said, was that 682 people were discharged on Friday. The number of dischaged patients has grown six times, at least, since last week.

"Those are folks who have gotten to a much better place," he said. "This should give us hope."

Murphy again pointed to a graph that shows the shrinking growth rate of cases in several counties.

In the below graph, cases have slowed in Sussex, Bergen, Salem, Monmouth and Ocean counties, doubling every seven days or more. In many of those places a week ago, cases were doubling nearly every day:

Murphy also warned the public about holding public celebrations on Easter as the number of coronavirus-related deaths in New Jersey passed 2,000.

Murphy also paid tribute to residents who passed:

Watch Murphy here:

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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
• 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.