Gov. Murphy: 423 New NJ Coronavirus Cases, 45 More Deaths

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Wednesday that New Jersey has 423 additional coronavirus cases and 45 more confirmed deaths (you can watch it live here, below).

The update comes as the number of cases continues to rise in New Jersey. Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy used the news conference as an opportunity to applaud New Jersey for the progress it's made in curtailing the coronavirus outbreak.

Murphy said eight counties had rate-of-transmission that was over 1.0 last week – meaning that each person in those counties with COVID-19 was infecting at least one other person. Doctors and scientists say 1.0 is too high, and it means the virus is "community spread" and difficult to contain.

Murphy said that, on Wednesday, only three counties had a rate of transmission of 1.0 or more, and four counties – Atlantic, Cumberland, Morris and Salem – have cut their transmission numbers in half.

Murphy, however, warned that no reopenings can happen – such as indoor dining – unless New Jersey remains vigilant. He said he wants to see all 21 counties have a rate of transmission of 1.0 and "stay there."

Watch Murphy live here:

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