Gov. Murphy Says New Probe Into Possible Coronavirus Case In NJ

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy provided an update on the coronavirus on Monday, saying one person was set to be tested in New Jersey for the illness. You can watch the press conference below.

Murphy said anyone with pneumonia requiring hospitalization, with no obvious source for the diagnosis, will be tested. "We've been at this for weeks and we are staying vigilant," the governor said.

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said the person set to be tested was actually not hospitalized as of 1 p.m., and the state Department of Health expects to receive specimens later Monday.

"We are taking all steps available to protect the residents of New Jersey," she said.

Murphy's announcement came as six deaths in the United States resulting from the coronavirus have been reported. At least three in Washington were announced on Monday.

Murphy's update also came after a federal employee who traveled to China was reportedly told to return to her job in New Jersey despite the protocol that requires a 14-day quarantine period to screen for the coronavirus. Read more: Federal Worker In NJ Told To Violate Coronavirus Quarantine: Reports

Princeton University also is now prohibiting travel to select countries over concerns about the novel coronavirus, recently dubbed COVID-19. Read more: Princeton University Prohibits Some Travel Over Coronavirus Fears

The first case of coronavirus was confirmed in New York City on Sunday. There were no confirmed cases reported in New Jersey, Murphy said during the press conference.

Murphy said his administration "is actively engaged in a multi-level, whole-of-government approach – from our hospitals, to our schools, to our ports – to implement a preparedness and response plan for the potential spread of the coronavirus in New Jersey."

"Together, we are prepared to respond properly and swiftly to any future individuals who meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for coronavirus testing,” he said.

New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said the risk to the general public in New Jersey remains low. The state is working closely with the CDC and public health and healthcare partners to ensure the preparedness levels for the novel virus remain high.

Preparing for the threat from the COVID-19 coronavirus will take heightened vigilance and the coordination of all people, ranging from health and education officials to students and their parents, said state Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet.

“We can’t emphasize enough how the safety of the nearly 1.4 million children in our schools depends on all stakeholders proactively engaging in effective communication, collaboration and preparation,” he said.

Murphy was joined during the press conference by state health and emergency management officials at the New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center in Ewing Township. Here is where you can watch it:

Officials dealt with a suspected coronavirus case in New Jersey this weekend just as a number of people in the Garden State who may have come in contact with the disease self-quarantined.

Test results came back negative for the individual in New Jersey who underwent testing, the state Department of Health reported late Saturday. Read more: As Coronavirus Fears Grow, Flu Cases Skyrocket In NJ

"Most New Jersey residents are at low risk for novel coronavirus," said Persichilli. "If individuals are having symptoms, the illness is much more likely to be caused by common respiratory viruses such as flu or the common cold."

Officials say there have been more than 85,000 cases and more than 3,000 deaths worldwide. More than 60 cases of the coronavirus have been diagnosed in the United States.

The Ocean County Health Department, meanwhile, has monitored 13 people who have essentially self-quarantined, Ocean County Public Health Officer Daniel E. Regenye told Patch.

They did it at their homes after returning from abroad, Regenye said.

Murphy's update also comes a week after Nancy Messonnier, the director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, told reporters in a conference call the question is no longer if the coronavirus will spread across the United States but when that will happen.

Communities, schools and businesses in New Jersey and elsewhere should begin preparing now for "the expectation that this could be bad," Messonnier said.

"I understand this whole situation may seem overwhelming and that disruption to everyday life may be severe. But these are things that people need to start thinking about now," she said. "You should think about what you would do for child care if schools or day cares closed."

Read more: Crewman Dies On NJ Ship Where 27 Tested For Coronavirus (UPDATE)

So far in New Jersey, the Department of Health says it has been focused on ramping up preparedness efforts and coordination with hospital and local health departments since the end of January. The Department of Health's crisis management meets daily to monitor "this evolving situation," officials said.

Murphy issued a statement on Saturday, saying he spoke with Vice President Pence to discuss New Jersey's ongoing efforts to guard against the spread of novel coronavirus.

The vice president praised New Jersey for taking aggressive and proactive measures to combat the public health threat and reiterated that the Trump Administration stands ready to support New Jersey's efforts in this fight, according to the governor's office.

Murphy thanked the vice president for maintaining an open line of communication and pledged to work closely with the White House, Coronavirus Task Force, and CDC to combat the virus and "keep all New Jerseyans safe and healthy."