NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday that the process has started to release certain low-level offenders from county jails.
"All efforts have been made to ensure public safety," he said in a press conference on Monday afternoon.
Murphy said that there are now 2,844 cases in the state, with 27 deaths. Seven more deaths were announced in the last 24 hours.
In encouraging residents to stay home as much as possible, the governor said the police may begin issuing citations to people who continue to hold gatherings.
Murphy also said that he had spoken with President Donald Trump and asked for personal protective equipment, as well as funding.
"We are desperate for direct state cash assistance," Murphy said, estimating that the tri-state area may need $100 billion in aid.
He added, "We need the federal government to come in with a big bucket of money."
Murphy also said that he has asked FEMA for support in setting up four pop-up field hospitals. He also said that all private labs who are conducting coronavirus tests must report results directly to the Department of Health.
The governor said he has signed an executive order to suspend all elective surgeries, beginning at 5pm on Mar. 27.
More than 8,000 jobs are available in essential services, Murphy said, adding that the state had created a database for those who want to apply.
State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said that there will be criminal consequences to violating the stay at home rules, both for businesses and individuals.
Grewal also said that the state is pursuing claims of price gouging, as well as fighting racial discrimination against people of East Asian descent.
The attorney general also said that inmates who are being released will receive assistance to find safe living conditions, and that they will all be required to fulfill their sentences when the coronavirus crisis passes.