MICHAEL MANCUSO, NJ.COM FOR N.J. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Gov. Phil Murphy explained how the spread of COVID-19 is slowing in New Jersey, as seen by the lighter orange shades in the graph in the background.
By Allison Perrine
NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy shared some positive news related to COVID-19 outbreaks in New Jersey during Wednesday afternoon’s press conference, following Tuesday’s announcement of the highest reported death toll in 24 hours from the virus – 365 people.
The statewide total of positive cases reached 71,030 as of Wednesday afternoon, Murphy said. But at the same time, “there are hundreds – if not thousands – of residents who had received a prior positive test result who have now likely defeated the virus, and may it stay that way.”
An updated map of confirmed cases in New Jersey also showed that spread of the virus is slowing, signaling that the curve is starting to flatten. That means state measures in place to keep people from getting the virus are working while also lessening the immense strain on health care systems.
But that doesn’t mean people should think of this as lessening the gravity of the situation or need for preparedness, he said, as the state continues to “prepare for the absolute worst.” The statewide hospital capacity has been increased by 60 percent. There are beds reserved on the USNS Comfort for state residents. The state has set up three medical stations in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. And there are now about two dozen publicly accessible testing sites across the state, among other sites.
Of the total cases in New Jersey, 8,270 people have been hospitalized, 1,980 have required critical or intensive care, 1,705 were on ventilators and 709 have been discharged. The situation remains fluid, Murphy said.
While the statewide death toll related to the virus is now 3,165 – an increase of 351 since Tuesday – the number of deaths reported on any given day “does not mean” the state has lost that many residents, literally, in 24-hours. In some cases, numbers reported are residents who have died in the past several days who now have cause of death attributed to COVID-19.
According to Murphy, the state is now working with a team from Rutgers University as well as Middlesex County to develop a saliva test for COVID-19. If it works well, the test could be put to widespread use to help meet testing needs throughout New Jersey, Murphy said.
As of Wednesday, April 15 in Monmouth County, there were 4,122 positive cases of COVID-19. In the Two River area, that includes Atlantic Highlands, 14; Colts Neck, 49; Fair Haven, 17; Highlands, 18; Holmdel, 139; Little Silver, 25; Middletown, 330; Monmouth Beach, 14; Oceanport, 39; Red Bank, 83; Rumson, 24; Sea Bright, seven; Shrewsbury Borough, 24; and Tinton Falls, 76. Monmouth is not among the six counties with the highest number of cases, the governor announced Wednesday.
“This is a war. It is the fight of our lives. And wars are not won by one person or one small group. They’re won when millions of people come together in a common cause,” said Murphy.
This article originally appeared in the April 16th, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
