Gov. Phil Murphy: 1,982 New NJ Coronavirus Cases, 27 More Die

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Friday that New Jersey has 1,982 new cases and 27 more deaths Friday as a new report says New Jersey could run 60,000 beds short during the course of the outbreak. Murphy also offered some insight on when all this could end (you can watch it here, below).

Murphy said New Jersey now has 8,825 and 108 cases.

"We mourn with these families along with the entire state and every precious life that has been lost," Murphy said.

Murphy said the sharp rise in cases and the death toll show that he doesn't see "any scenario" where his stay-at-home measures don't "bleed meaningfully into May."

"If I am wrong, I will be the happiest guy in in New Jersey if not America," he said.

Murphy said New Jersey "needs to break the back" of the rising curve of coronavirus cases and he believes the state "will win this."

These were the deaths reported on Friday:

• 7 individuals in Bergen County
• 4 individuals in Middlesex County
• 3 individuals in Somerset County
• 3 individuals in Monmouth County
• 3 individuals in Essex County
• 3 individuals in Ocean County
• 2 individuals in Morris County
• 1 individuals in Hudson County
• 1 individuals in Gloucester County

The county-by-county breakdown for Friday is:

• Atlantic 5
• Bergen 265
• Burlington 24
• Camden 21
• Cape May 1
• Cumberland 5
• Essex 181
• Gloucester 7
• Hudson 140
• Hunterdon 11
• Mercer 18
• Middlesex 127
• Monmouth 126
• Morris 44
• Ocean 81
• Passaic 88
• Salem 1
• Somerset 34
• Sussex 10
• Union 48
• Warren 6

Murphy made the announcement as a new analysis by Rutgers University was released saying hospitals could be overwhelmed with patients beginning next week and eventually fall 60,000 beds short – even with the current social distancing rules in place. Moderate social distancing could lead to a shortage of nearly 200,000 beds.

The study doesn't take into account the four "pop-up" hospitals that are supposed to be set up across the state in a matter of weeks. But it does note that New Jersey has, right now, around 22,000 total beds.

Here is the county-by-county breakdown of the potential shortage of beds (the first number is with moderate distancing; the second is with the current strong measures):

• Atlantic 5,668 1,761
• Bergen 19,966 6,179
• Burlington 9,464 2,908
• Camden 11,253 3,789
• Cape May 1,925 563
• Cumberland 3,378 1,156
• Essex 16,575 4,803
• Gloucester 6,294 2,004
• Hudson 14,400 4,449
• Hunterdon 2,757 921
• Mercer 7,914 2,470
• Middlesex 17,038 4,826
• Monmouth 13,418 4,272
• Morris 11,044 3,770
• Ocean 12,979 4,123
• Passaic 10,456 3,048
• Salem 1,230 309
• Somerset 7,372 2,497
• Sussex 3,146 1,073
• Union 11,871 3,656
• Warren 2,174 617
• TOTAL 190,321 59,194

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

On Thursday, Murphy announced a stunning increase in coronavirus cases: 2,492, as well as 19 more deaths. Read more: NJ 'Major Disaster' Area: 2,492 New Coronavirus Cases, 19 Deaths

Watch Murphy 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," Health Commissioner Judith 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.