Gov. Murphy: NJ Should Cancel Large Gatherings Due To Coronavirus

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has recommended canceling all public gatherings of more than 250 people because of the coronavirus scare. More news on the virus was also revealed during a 2 p.m. press conference (watch below).

At least 29 people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in New Jersey as of 2:3o p.m. and health officials say the virus may be "community-spread" in the state. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Six additional cases were identified on Thursday (see list below).

Murphy said he made the recommendation "based on guidance we have received from the commissioner of health."

"We are recommending the cancellation of all public gatherings throughout New Jersey of more than 250 individuals, including concerts, sporting events, and parades," Murphy said.

"These measures are being taken as part of our coordinated response to the continued outbreak and to aggressively mitigate the spread of the virus. Additionally, for all events, we recommend that everyone practice commonsense hygiene, like washing hands routinely, staying home if you do not feel well, and keeping a six-foot distance from others."

Here are the cases that were announced on Thursday:

• A 16-year-girl from Englewood who was hospitalized at Englewood Hospital
• A 66 -year--old woman from Montclair who was hospitalized at Mountainside Hospital
• A 51-year-old man from Butler who was admitted to Chilton Medical Center after having exposure to the coronavirus.
• A 23-year-old man from Bridgewater who may have been exposed through close contact with a Pennsylvania resident.
• A 53-year Manalapan man hospitalized at Centrastate who had exposure to confirmed case.
• A Teaneck woman, age uknown, whose specimens were collected at Holy Name hospital and may have had exposure to a confirmed case at a synagogue carnival in New York on March 1.

As of Thursday, the county breakdown was as follows:

• Bergen 13
• Burlington 2
• Camden 1
• Hudson 1
• Middlesex 2
• Monmouth 5
• Passaic 1
• Union 1
• Essex 1
• Morris 1
• Somerset 1

You can watch the press conference here:

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.