Gov. Murphy Closes Parks On NJ Coronavirus Crisis's Deadliest Day

UPDATE: State and county parks have since reopened.

NEW JERSEY — Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Tuesday that state and county parks will close as New Jersey once again had its deadliest day during the coronavirus outbreak: 3,361 new cases and 232 more deaths (you can watch the announcement here, below).

Murphy said that "no one wants to see our state get back up and running more than I do," but New Jersey has had to deal with "far too many incidents" at the state's various parks. Murphy said the state has struggled to prevent public gatherings that could help spread the disease.

The order will take effect on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

The total number of cases has risen to 44,416, and 1,232 people have died. The state did not provide a county-by-county breakdown of cases on Tuesday, but Patch has kept track of the overall numbers. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy said the state will allow each municipality to decide whether to close local, town-run parks. He suggested that people can go to those parks for recreation, or "take a walk or bike ride in your neighborhood."

“My administration’s top priority is to flatten the curve of new COVID-19 cases, so we do not create a surge within our health care systems and overwhelm the health care professionals who are managing our response on the frontlines,” said Murphy.

“We have seen far too many instances in our parks where people are gathering and socializing in groups and by closing these areas, we are further limiting public interactions to only the most essential purposes. Data shows that our aggressive efforts to flatten the curve are beginning to make a difference; however, we must continue our push to flatten it to the point where our day-over-day increase is zero.”

Murphy also said he's waiving student assessment requirements for graduation this year, including the portfolio appeal process.

Murphy also addressed a question as to whether graduations could be canceled in June: "I wouldn't put any nonrefundable checks down on your celebrations right now. It's hard to say otherwise. I'm hope I'm wrong, but I fear that I am not."

"I just personally don't see it. I hope I'm wrong," Murphy said, adding that it could be left up to each district to come up with something "creative," such as a virtual graduations.

Right now, state Education Commissioner Lamont Repollet said, graduation "is a local decision; so whatever activity they plan, we just hope they follow the guidelines on social distancing."

In the latest in a series of moves to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Murphy issued Executive Order No. 116, extending statutory deadlines for school districts with elections in May. Read more: Governor Murphy Moves NJ School District Election Deadlines

On Monday, Murphy offered some insight into how long the coronavirus crisis may last in New Jersey, just as he was providing an update to the outbreak's toll on that day: 3,663 new cases and 86 more deaths. The numbers marked the second day in a row that the numbers were much lower than the outbreak's previous worst day on Saturday. Read more: Gov. Murphy: Coronavirus May 'Spill Meaningfully Into The Summer'

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 nonessential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. 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
• 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.