Gov. Murphy To Shut Many Day Care Centers Amid Coronavirus Crisis

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy said during a live press conference on Wednesday that he's ordering many day care centers to shut amid the coronavirus outbreak, leaving open only those that can care for essential workers (you can watch it live here, below).

Murphy also announced on Wednesday that the state has 736 more positive tests and 18 more deaths, raising the case total to 4,402 and the death toll to 62. The daily case total was smaller for the second consecutive day.

But the death toll "does not get any easier to report," Murphy said, adding that, contrary to what some television pundits have said, New Jersey will "fight to save every single life. There is no cost that is too high to save every precious life."

Murphy said he's directing all child care centers across the state that wish to continue operating to certify by this Friday that they will solely serve the children of essential workers.

Those who do not certify that they can exclusively care for these children must close by Wednesday, April 1, Murphy said.

Those that remain open must abide by new health and safety guidelines, which have not been issued yet, he said.

Local emergency managers will identify schools – up to grade eight – if there are any gaps in coverage for children of essential workers, he said.

During the press conference, Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli also identified the fatalities:

• 4 individuals in Ocean County
• 3 individuals in Essex County
• 2 individuals in Monmouth County
• 1 individual in Bergen County
• 1 individual in Burlington County
• 1 individual in Cumberland County
• 1 individual in Hudson County
• 1 individual in Middlesex County
• 1 individual in Morris County
• 1 individual in Passaic County
• 1 individual in Somerset County
• 1 individual in Union County

Of those who died, 11 were men and 7 were women, all ranging in ages from 52 to 93. Fifty percent had underlying and five were in long-term care facilities, Persichilli said.

Here is the county-by-county breakdown of new cases:

• Atlantic 3
• Bergen 89
• Burlington 6
• Camden 9
• Cape May 1
• Cumberland 1
• Essex 38
• Gloucester 4
• Hudson 21
• Mercer 22
• Middlesex 38
• Monmouth 26
• Morris 17
• Ocean 33
• Passaic 34
• Somerset 7
• Sussex 5
• Union 20
• Warren 3

On Tuesday night, Murphy also announced that he's allowing five more types of businesses in New Jersey to operate during the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: Gov. Murphy: More NJ Business Can Now Open In Coronavirus Crisis

The update comes as the number of cases continues to rise in New Jersey, with 44 deaths. The case total is the second-highest in the country. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Watch Murphy live 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 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
• Murphy announced on Monday, May 4 that schools will close for the rest of the academic year because of the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: New Jersey Schools Closed For Rest Of Academic Year: 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.