New COVID cases in NJ top 2,000 for 2nd day, Murphy says state positivity rate 'unacceptable'

TRENTON (1010 WINS) -- New Jersey reported more than 2,000 new coronavirus cases for the second day in a row as Gov. Phil Murphy warned the state's positivity rate was "unacceptable" and hospitals continued to deal with a rising number of cases.

There were 2,104 new positives in the state, Murphy said, adding that the state has reported 6,408 new positives since Monday, including 2,472 on Wednesday.

Bergen, Essex and Passaic counties all reported more than 200 cases, while Camden, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth and Union counties each had well over 100 cases.

The number of patients hospitalized was 1,224, up from Wednesday's 1,213 patients. There were 238 patients in intensive care and 85 on ventilators.

"Our hospitals are reporting increasing hospitalizations," said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, pointing to the new number of patients. "A short seven weeks ago, that number on a seven-day rolling average was 420. Today it's 1,224."

"Today it's three times almost exactly," Murphy said of the hospitalizations. "It's pretty clear what we're in the midst of here, right?"

The state reported 12 more COVID-related deaths, bringing the state's death toll to 14,603 people, not including 1,800 probable deaths from the virus.

The daily percent positivity on Sunday was 7.74%. Murphy called the rising number "unacceptable."

The governor implored New Jerseyans to stay close to home as the holidays near and to only have small Thanksgiving dinners with immediate family members in their households.

"And common sense includes not traveling outside of New Jersey for the time being, unless you have to cross state lines for work or school for worship or some other essential travel," Murphy said.