Gov. Phil Murphy: 4 More NJ Coronavirus Deaths, 318 New Cases

NEW JERSEY – The number of coronavirus cases in New Jersey nearly doubled again on Thursday, rising to a total of 742, including 9 deaths, Gov. Phil Murphy said. He announced 318 new cases and four additional deaths during a press conference. (watch the press conference below).

One of the deaths involved a man in his 30s in Bergen County (see breakdown below).

Two people in Montclair also died, officials announced on Thursday. Read more: 2 In Montclair Die Because Of Coronavirus: Officials

Also on Thursday, a death was reported in Ocean County. Read more: 1st Reported Death, 25 New Cases In Ocean Coronavirus Outbreak

Murphy said the case numbers shouldn't come as a surprise, saying he expects the cases to "go into the thousands" now that much more testing is in place. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said those who died were:

• A Monmouth County woman in her 70s
• An Ocean County man in his 70s
• An Essex County man in his 60s
• A Bergen County man in his 30s

Persichilli said those 60 and older at at considerable risk, but the median age of those diagnosed in New Jersey is "somewhat younger," at 52.

She said admissions were curtailed Wednesday night at six nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and they must conduct thorough cleaning. Three of the deaths appear to be associated with a long-term care facility, she said.

The announcements come as the fourth member of the same New Jersey family died from the coronavirus. Read more: 4 In Same Family, Including 3 In NJ, Die Of Coronavirus: Reports

Murphy also announced that all personal care businesses –including salons, barbers, health clubs and tattoo parlors – will be ordered to close at 8 p.m. on Thursday. Read more: Gov. Phil Murphy: NJ Barbers, Salons, Spas Must Close

Murphy also issued an executive order on Thursday 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

Persichilli provided a county-by-county breakdown of the new cases:

• Bergen 80
• Burlington 4
• Camden 6
• Cape May 1
• Essex 17
• Gloucenter 1
• Hudson 20
• Hunterdon 2
• Mercer 5
• Middlesex 20
• Mommouth 13
• Morris 7
• Ocean 25
• Passaic 18
• Somerset 4
• Sussex 2
• Union 7
• Warren 2

Persichilli said the Bergen Community College testing site in Paramus will also be up-and-running at 8 a.m. on Friday. Health care workers and first responders will get first priority; the DOH hopes to college 2,500 specimens a week.

Watch here:

The live update comes two days after Murphy said he's closing all indoor malls and amusement parks and centers. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Malls Closing Due To Coronavirus, 89 New Cases

Murphy also shut down all schools on Tuesday. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy

Rutgers University announced that it's closing its campuses for the rest of the semester, and moving to remote learning. Read more: Rutgers Closes For Rest Of Semester, Moves To Remote Learning

Murphy also imposed additional statewide restrictions on Monday, shutting restaurants, casinos, bars and gyms. He also discouraged non-essential travel in the evening, saying people should stay at home. Read more: NJ Coronavirus: Bars, Restaurants, Theaters To Shut

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," Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• 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
• The second person in New Jersey to die because of the illness was announced on Saturday, March 14. Read more: 2nd Death Due To Coronavirus In New Jersey
• On Monday, March 16, state officials announced that a third person in New Jersey died because of the virus. Read more: 3rd Death In New Jersey Due To Coronavirus
• 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 for two weeks, beginning Monday, March 16, to mitigate public exposure to COVID-19 coronavirus.
• The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it's closing its offices for two weeks. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus
• The New Jersey Department of Corrections is temporarily suspending visits during the outbreak. Read more: NJDOC Suspends Visitations To State Prisons and Halfway Houses
• The state also said it will no longer label the positive tests as "presumptive positive" cases. They are now considered "positive" and "confirmed."
• State Police said they're also looking to locate two FEMA assistance centers – otherwise known as "pods" – where people can be tested. One will be at Bergen Community College in Paramus and the other will be located at the PNC Arts Center on the Garden State Parkway in Holmdel. Read more: Coronavirus Drive-Through Testing In Works For NJ
• Murphy said he's also mobilizing the National Guard to assist, providing services to help bridge "capability gaps," augment the police and local personnel in transportation and traffic control and support facilities such as hospitals that have hit capacity or run into medical and technology problems.

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.