NJ COVID Public Health Emergency Extended As Cases, Deaths Rise

NEW JERSEY –Gov. Phil Murphy has extended New Jersey's public health emergency amid the coronavirus crisis for the ninth time as the state reported its highest daily case numbers ever this past week, and fatalities climbed to the Garden State's highest point in six months.

Murphy also made the announcement as state officials say they're confident New Jersey can reach "herd immunity" – or "community protection" that effectively "shuts out the virus" from the state's population and stops community spread – by spring because of the new vaccines. Read more: Here's When NJ May Be 'Back To Normal' – And You'll Be COVID-Free

Murphy extended the coronavirus outbreak's public health emergency for another 30 days, saying that New Jersey is still feeling the brunt of the second wave of the coronavirus and dealing with a sharp rise in cases and fatalities that have been reported over the past few weeks.

“While vaccines are beginning to arrive in New Jersey, the COVID-19 pandemic is still enveloping our state,” said Murphy. “As we continue to fight this public health crisis, we require the ability to utilize all resources necessary to keep New Jerseyans safe."

Indeed, New Jersey had its daily highest case total ever on Dec. 12th, reporting 6,247 new ones. On Dec. 15, New Jersey reported 97 deaths – the highest number since June.

The declaration means the state will continue to have the authority to order new shutdowns and take similar extraordinary acts if the virus resurges, as it has done in other states.

Despite the rise in cases, Murphy has only taken small steps to restrict public activity, such as imposing a 10 p.m. curfew on bars and restaurants, banning bar seating and imposing limits on outdoor and indoor gatherings. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ To Lower Gathering Limits Amid Coronavirus Spikes

Otherwise, Murphy has been resistant to reversing reopenings of the state's economy and schools even as he's said that "everything is on the table" regarding decisions to contain the coronavirus spread.

Although a number of schools have decided to switch to remote learning, Murphy says a very low number of outbreaks and cases are associated with in-person education.

“We continue to utilize all resources available and will need the ability to do so as we battle this virus through the second wave that has enveloped our nation and our state," he said.

For the full text of Executive Order No. 210, click here.

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