Gov. Murphy: NJ Coronavirus Case Peak Anywhere From 86K To 509K

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey should expect its coronavirus peak of cases to hit anywhere between late April and early May, Gov. Phil Murphy said on Monday. The governor said the Garden State could have anywhere from 86,000 to 509,000 cases at its peak, and the timing could impact whether schools are reopened.

The best-case scenario of 86,000 would likely arrive by April 19, while the worst-case scenario would likely be 509,000 by May 11, Murphy said during his Monday press conference.

Had New Jersey done nothing and not practiced social distancing, Murphy estimated that the number of infections could have been as high as 3 million at the peak level.

"This should be all the incentive to keep doing exactly what we're doing," he said. (story continues below the graph):

Murphy said the graph still remains "uncomfortably high," but "meaningfully below if we had done nothing."

Murphy was asked if he was giving any consideration to reopening schools this academic year. The governor repeated that he will likely make that decision by April 17, but he also pointed to the reality of the numbers: "With each passing day, ceremonies and gatherings seem less likely."

Murphy also said projected hospitalizations should be anywhere from 9,000 by April 10 to 36,000 by April 28.

Murphy said social distancing needs to prevent New Jersey from hitting the 36,000 peak, otherwise New Jersey's healthcare system would be "overrun four times what it could be."

Also on Monday, Murphy offered some insight into how long the coronavirus crisis may last in New Jersey just as he was providing an update to the outbreak's toll on Monday: 3,663 new cases and 86 more deaths.

The numbers marked the second day in a row that the numbers were much lower than the outbreak's worst day on Saturday. Read more: Gov. Murphy: Coronavirus May 'Spill Meaningfully Into The Summer'

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

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.