Gov. Murphy: Total NJ Coronavirus Cases Top 22K, 91 More Deaths

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a live press conference on Wednesday, said New Jersey had another horrible day of reporting on the impact of the coronavirus: 91 more deaths and 3,649 additional cases, both record highs for one day in the Garden State. He also postponed the state tax deadline for three months (you can watch it live here, below).

Murphy said New Jersey's death toll has reached 355 and its total cases have reached 22,255 cases, and they've been diagnosed in every county in New Jersey. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

"We're in the fight of our lives," Murphy said.

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said the 91 deaths were reported in these counties:

• 33 individuals in Bergen County
• 22 individuals in Essex County
• 13 individuals in Hudson County
• 5 individuals in Morris County
• 5 individuals in Ocean County
• 5 individuals in Union County
• 4 individuals in Middlesex County
• 4 individuals in Passaic County
• 3 individuals in Monmouth County
• 3 individuals in Sussex County

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

• Atlantic 10
• Bergen 338
• Burlington 51
• Camden 60
• Cape May 9
• Cumberland 8
• Essex 277
• Gloucester 34
• Hudson 200
• Hunterdon 15
• Mercer 54
• Middlesex 190
• Monmouth 144
• Morris 64
• Ocean 126
• Passaic 130
• Salem 7
• Somerset 38
• Sussex 20
• Union 138
• Warren 18

Murphy also conferred with lawmakers and agreed to extend the state tax deadline to July 15, citing the "hardships, financial strain and disruptions for many New Jerseyans and New Jersey businesses."

Murphy also appeared to directly respond to President Trump who said on Tuesday that New Jersey and New York "lagged" behind other states, such as California, in addressing the coronavirus.

Murphy said "we got on this very early," noting that a coronavirus task force was formed in January. New Jersey has worked to flatten the curve cases since then, he said.

He pointed to a pair of graphics below – the left shows what would have happened if New Jersey did nothing, and the right shows the result of what New Jersey did (story continues below graphic):

"The graph on the right is a better reality," he said. "It's not a perfect reality."

Also, lawmakers agreed that the state fiscal year should extended to Sept. 30. This will allow the Murphy administration and the state Legislature "to focus fully on leading New Jersey out of this crisis, and to allow for a robust, comprehensive, and well-informed budget process later in the year. "

“We are committed to working together to enact the necessary legislation and supplemental appropriations to accomplish these goals," Murphy said.

On Tuesday afternoon, the mayors of four Essex County cities – Newark, Orange, East Orange and Irvington – also announced they will be launching a joint crackdown to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Read more: Coronavirus 'Lockdown' In Newark, Irvington, Orange, East Orange

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Watch Murphy live here:

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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
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order, closing all non-essential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced that all schools would close on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy issued an executive order on Thursday, March 19 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
• 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
• 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.
• The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it's also closing temporarily. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus
• A new report from ProPublica says New Jersey hospitals would be hard pressed to meet demand – even in a best-case scenario – if the coronavirus outbreak surges. Read more: NJ Hospitals Lack Beds For Coronavirus Surge: Report
• Four members of the same New Jersey family died from the coronavirus, according to March 19 reports. Read more: 4 In Same Family, Including 3 In NJ, Die Of Coronavirus: Reports
• The deadline for Americans to file federal taxes was moved from April 15 to July 15, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin tweeted on Friday, March 20. Read more: Federal Tax Day Postponed To July 15 Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
• After two FEMA sites opened, officials said five more counties will be getting coronavirus testing sites. Read more: Coronavirus Drive-Through Testing Sites To Open In 5 NJ Counties

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.