In New Jersey, coronavirus cases up to 890

UPDATED: 6:06 p.m. 

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced Friday the state has an additional 155 positive coronavirus cases, bringing the state total to 890. The state now has the fourth largest total of positive cases in the country. 
Murphy also announced an additional two coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the state total to 11. 

UPDATE: We’ve received 155 new positive test results since yesterday, bringing our statewide total to 890.We’ve also learned of 2 additional deaths, and those families are in our prayers.

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) March 20, 2020

The governor emphasized that the increase in numbers is because, in part, of an increase in testing capacities from private labs. 

Murphy announced the state will also be increasing their testing capabilities in a partnership with BioReference Laboratories and LabCorp.

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli also announced adult day care centers will close statewide. This takes effect Friday. 

She said the Army Corps of Engineers checked Underwood Memorial Hospital in Woodbury, which is currently closed, and said it can be used for a likely surge in need for beds. The state expects to be able to open the Woodbury hospital in three to four weeks.

Murphy expects to “tighten the screws on restrictions” possibly as soon as Saturday. He’s going to, in some way, close down non-essential businesses.

“We will further tighten the screws in terms of the social distancing. We have no choice. It is absolutely proven to be the best way we can out ahead of this virus,” Murphy added.

Drive-thru testing has begun in the hardest hit county, Bergen County, and more centers are coming. That includes a private lab setting up a location in Burlington County in about a week. But testing will be limited to those with symptoms and health care workers.

He also said the state expects they will need billions in federal block grant aid.