NEWARK (1010 WINS) – Gov. Phil Murphy said Saturday that the number of coronavirus cases in New Jersey had risen to 11,124—up 2,289 case from Friday.
The death toll rose by 32 to 140, Murphy said. It was 108 on Friday and 81 on Thursday.
Murphy also announced a 90-day grace period for mortgage payments for borrowers economically impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Financial institutions have also committed to not initiating foreclosure cases or eviction proceedings for at least 60 days.
"A 90-day grace period and a moratorium of foreclosures and evictions means many New Jersey families can breathe easier, keep their heads above water, and have a place they can continue to call home," Murphy said.
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MORE MONEY
Murphy said Friday that the state is dispersing $140 million in state aid to hospitals and other facilities.
He also said most residents getting assistance formerly called food stamps will be getting more aid because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Roughly 60% of the 340,000 households who get help from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will see an extra benefit payment on Sunday, according to the governor's office. Families that already get the federal maximum amount won't be eligible for the higher benefit, but Murphy's administration says about 205,000 households will qualify for it.
The money comes as part of federal legislation that set aside $70 million for New Jersey families.
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TESTING CENTERS
Drive-thru testing centers for state residents in Bergen and Monmouth counties will be open Saturday only for workers in health care, law enforcement, Murphy said.
A new field hospital at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, which Murphy had announced earlier, is expected to open next week, the governor said. It will be a general hospital.
Another field hospital is set to open in Edison, though a date has not been given. That facility will be for COVID-19 patients.
On Friday, Jersey City opened two testing centers, one drive-thru and the other walk-up.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop is set to open the centers on Friday for city residents only.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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