TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey now has 78,467 positive coronavirus cases, resulting in 3,840 fatalities. South Jersey accounts for over 4,700 cases and 178 deaths. New Jersey officials are now outlining the effect of COVID-19 in the state’s nursing home system.
The state has begun detailing the virus’ effects on nursing homes in each county after problems surfaced at one Sussex County facility, where 17 bodies were moved out earlier this week.
In all, more than half the nursing homes in the state have at least one case, and almost 40% of the deaths have come from that sector, including half of South Jersey’s toll.
Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli says officials are looking into the situation.
“State surveyors are making site visits to several long-term care facilities through the weekend, visiting selected facilities based on the reporting of their statistics,” she said.
Over 100 long-term care centers are not accepting new residents as they try to cope with their current situation.
Gov. Phil Murphy recognizes the nursing home problem, even as he notes how the infection curve is flattening.
In fact, Persichilli suggests North Jersey might have hit its peak. But it’s still to come in central and southern parts of the state.