Gov. Murphy Reopens More NJ Businesses, Services Amid Coronavirus

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a Friday news conference, announced more plans to reopen New Jersey businesses and services amid the coronavirus outbreak (you can watch it here, below).

The update comes as the number of cases continues to rise in New Jersey, and deaths surpassed the 10,000 mark. He also announced 1,297 new cases and 201, raising the overall case total to 143,905 and the fatality toll to 10,138. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy also announced that the July 7 primarly election will be a primarily vote-by-mail operation. Read more: Coming NJ Election Will Be 'Primarily' Vote-By-Mail: Gov. Murphy

Murphy said elective and invasive surgeries can soon resume, and his administration will provide guidance on Monday as to how how these procedures can be conducted. The surgeries can resume on May 26.

The surgery guidance will take into account the following: providing protective equipment to staff and whether to allow visitors for patients, Murphy said.

The new information was among a series of "hard dates" for reopening New Jersey's economy that Murphy provided this week. He also reopened non-essential businesses and beaches, and he's expected to soon provide guidance on pools and charter fishing. Read more: Gov. Murphy: 'Hard Dates' For NJ Coronavirus Reopening

Murphy said the progress New Jersey has shown in fighting the coronavirus has allowed the state to take these steps. A number of medical facilities now have much more room to treat non-coronavirus patients since the number of hospitalizations has dropped significantly

"They have been waging a heroic war against COVID-19," Murphy said. "Now they can look to resume the other critical roles they play."

Murphy pointed to graphs that showed significant reductions in coronavirus hospitalizations:

Murphy also noted that the daily number of cases has dropped dramatically over the past month:

Murphy also announced that the federal CARES Act will provide $50 million in funding to help New Jersey small businesses struggling during the pandemic.

Watch Murphy here:

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