TRENTON – Gov. Phil Murphy said on Tuesday, March 17 the state is looking to create temporary health units from unused hospital and dormitories to meet the expected rise of coronavirus cases in the days ahead.
Another idea on the table is to create what he described mobile surgical tent hospitals to handle a potential surge in infected patients. He said he has written to President Donald Trump and called Vice President Michael Pence with that idea and other requests, but has not yet received assurances.
To date, New Jersey has had 3 deaths and 267 positive cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, for which there is no vaccine. The number increased by 89 from yesterday. Nationwide, cases of coronavirus have surpassed 5,000.
On March 16, the governor announced stunning restrictions that have had an immediate impact on daily life and the local economy of New Jersey. He announced all restaurants, pubs, gyms, theaters and casinos must close to the public, though restaurants could serve take-out. He strongly urged residents to keep indoors and avoid travel, as well as practice social distancing by staying 6 feet apart. He also called up the National Guard to help with policing, enforcement, testing and other needs.
“Everything is on the table,” the governor said. “We are trying like heck to get ahead of this.”
