NEWARK, N.J. (1010 WINS) – New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy reported on Friday that there were 155 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 890.
He also reported two additional fatalities, for a death toll total of 11.
One is a man in his 30s, the second man is in his 50s and both were from Bergen County, the gov. confirmed.
"The numbers are going up. The numbers will go into the many thousands. We've been predicting that." Gov. Murphy said.
Murphy estimates that New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania will need $100 billion in cash assistance in order to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
He also plans to issue an executive order Saturday, locking the state down. "Non-essential businesses are going to be shut down," Murphy said. "Gatherings of any sort – I'm not sure if we're going to be to 10 people or if we're going to zero."
A second drive-thru coronavirus test site will open at 8 a.m. on Monday the governor said.
"Not everyone should hop in their car to be tested. If you are feeling perfectly healthy...there is no need at this time to get tested," Murphy warned residents.
He also noted that cost will not be a barrier for anyone that needs to get tested.
The governor also told residents to not let the numbers increase anxiety. "We are going to come out better and stronger than ever before," he said.
Three NJ Transit employees have tested positive for the coronavirus as the agency said it will begin operating many lines on a weekend schedule amid plummeting ridership.
Spokesperson Nancy Snyder confirmed in an email Thursday that a "frontline employee" is among those who tested positive, according to NJ.com.
"These individuals are in quarantine, receiving appropriate care and will not return to work until they are cleared to do so by their healthcare provider – all of which will help contain the virus," Snyder wrote.
After learning the employees tested positive, the agency "immediately and vigorously cleaned and disinfected the employee workplaces and common areas." Coworkers who had "prolonged contact" with the employees are also being identified.
Gov. Phil Murphy said Thursday there have been nine deaths in the state and a total of 742 coronavirus cases.
Meanwhile, NJ Transit is adjusting its schedule, with ridership down 88 percent systemwide since March 9. CEO Kevin Corbett wrote a letter to the state's congressional delegation on Thursday asking the federal government for a $1.25 billion bailout.
Beginning Friday, March 20, NJ Transit rail lines, with the exception of the Atlantic City Rail Line (ACRL), will operate on a weekend schedule with slight modifications.
Here are some of the other changes:
- Gladstone Branch rail service will operate on weekdays only.
- Eight extra trips will operate between Dover and Hoboken during weekdays only.
- Bus, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, Newark Light Rail, RiverLINE and Access Link will all remain at full weekday schedules. If and when service adjustments are necessary to those systems, NJ TRANSIT will immediately communicate those changes to customers.
- More on the service changes can be found here.
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