Gov. Phil Murphy: Coronavirus Cases Finally Going Down In NJ

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a Thursday news conference, announced that New Jersey's coronavirus cases are finally dropping as he announced 1,827 new cases and 254 additional deaths (you can watch it here, below).

The update comes as the number of cases has risen to 133,635, and 8,801 people have died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy pointed to several graphs that reinforced the downward trend, even as he cautioned against celebrating too early.

"Our numbers continue to move in the right direction. But, we cannot lull ourselves into thinking that all is well," he said. "We’re still in the midst of a public health emergency. These numbers are still far above what they would be in normal times."

On Thursday, new cases sunk below 2,000 for the third time in four days. Just two weeks ago, they were routinely above 3,500. Here is a chart that shows the declining number of cases in recent weeks:

The number of patients currently being treated in New Jersey hospitals for COVID-19also has decreased to under 5,000 – standing currently at 4,996, Murphy said.

"This is a milestone," he said. "It means that the stress on capacity is lessening."

The number of new hospitalizations also sunk to its lowest level in more than a month:

The number of patients reported in either critical or intensive care also dropped considerably on Wednesday to 1,470. "This is a milestone," Murphy said. "We’ve not been under 1,500 since April 4th."

The update also comes as Murphy is starting to indicate that small businesses could be among the first – or the very first – to fully reopen in NJ. Read more: Gov. Murphy May Allow Small Businesses To Reopen Amid Coronavirus

Watch Murphy here:

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