NJ Coronavirus: 1K New Cases, 7 More Deaths; Enforcement Underway

NEW JERSEY — Gov. Phil Murphy spelled out on Monday how the state will enforce his "stay-at-home order" as New Jersey saw its biggest one-day increase in coronavirus cases in one day.

New Jersey had 935 new cases on Monday and seven additional deaths, Murphy said during Monday's news conference (you can watch it here, below). The Garden State now has a total of 2,844 cases and 27 deaths. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said the seven deaths announced on Monday involved five men and two women, ranging in age from 57 to 91. They were:

• One person from Warren County
• One person from Somerset County
• One person from Union County
• Two people from from Bergen County
• One person from Passaic County
• One person from Essex County

One person was associated with a long term care facility, she said.

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

• Atlantic 1
• Bergen 128
• Burlington 10
• Camden 11
• Essex 96
• Gloucester 5
• Hudson 58
• Hunterdon 2
• Mercer 10
• Middlesex 61
• Monmouth 80
• Morriis 55
• Ocean 42
• Passaic 42
• Somerset 13
• Sussex 3
• Union 66
• Warren 3

Murphy also signed an executive order suspending all elective surgery effective Friday. Read more: NJ Suspending Elective Surgeries Amid Coronavirus Spread

Murphy said county prosecutors and the Office of Attorney General are now ready to go after people who violate his stay-at-home order, which he issued Saturday. They've added personnel to assist local law enforcement in securing the order.

"When we hear of people hosting parties and other gatherings, we will not take it lightly," Murphy said.

Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus

Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said:

• The governor has extensive authority to take "bold action." Violating these orders is a criminal offense, and there are a range of charges that will be pressed from disorderly persons to second-degree indictable felonies, Grewal said. "Consider this as your final warning," he said.
• The state will also go after companies that engage in price gouging, saying he's received more than 1,400 complaints. He's sent hundreds of cease-and-desist orders to people who have tried to defraud people regarding hand sanitizers and masks, among other things.
• He said his office will go after anybody who uses the outbreak as an excuse for bias and acts of hate.

"There is a special place in hell for the people who take advantage of this health crisis," Murphy said.

Murphy also offered some insight into how long schools will remain closed: "They will likely remain closed and extended period of time."

When asked if the closure could last for the rest of the year, Murphy said: "Yet to be determined."

Murphy also said he spoke Monday to President Donald Trump and asked for more money from the federal government for hospital equipment and other services, saying New Jersey has received only a "fraction" of what it needs.

He also asked Trump for his support in opening four regional FEMA pop-up hospitals. "The president, to his credit, said he would support that," Murphy said.

Also on Monday, after being open for less than two hours Monday, the PNC Bank Arts Center coronavirus test site in Holmdel reached capacity and closed. It is to reopen on Tuesday. Read more: PNC Test Center in Holmdel Reaches Capacity; Will Reopen Tuesday

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner also signed an order calling for the temporary release of up to 1,000 inmates in county jails as a way to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Read more: Stuck In Jail During A Pandemic: Coronavirus Hits NJ Prisons

Murphy and Persichilli appeared at the Trenton War Memorial to speak. Watch them here:

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 said. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order, closing all nonessential 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 New Jersey fatality from 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.