Gov. Murphy: Here's Where Coronavirus Slowing Most, Least In NJ

Tom Davis
Updated ·6 min read

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a Thursday news conference, presented data showing that a number of New Jersey counties have had a significant slowing of the coronavirus outbreak. Murphy made the announcement as he provided the latest daily numbers on the outbreak: 4,427 new cases and 307 more deaths (you can watch it here, below).

The number of cases rose to 99,989 on Thursday, and 5,368 people have died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy presented a list of counties that showed their rate of spread, based on how long it takes them to double their cases (see the list below).

Three weeks ago, many of these counties saw their cases doubling every day. Now, at least three counties – Bergen, Hunterdon and Monmouth – are doubling on a monthly rate.

"We are slowing our rate of spread," Murphy said, pointing to the state's stay-at-home orders that began a month ago, and the public's compliance, as contributing factors for why New Jersey is seeing progress.

"That's because of what you're doing out there," Murphy said.

At the same, Murphy said New Jersey is a "weeks away" from easing up on restrictions and, right now, "we can't ease up one bit."

"I'm not in any position to open up our economy," said Murphy, who earlier said that New Jersey will provide a blue print for a reopening soon.

Here are the counties and the number of days it's taking for their cases to double:

  1. Hunterdon: More than 30

  2. Monmouth: More than 30

  3. Bergen: 29

  4. Cape May: 28.5

  5. Ocean: 27

  6. Morris: 24.5

  7. Essex: 23

  8. Passaic: 22.5

  9. Somerset 21

  10. Sussex: 20.5

  11. Middlesex: 19.5

  12. Hudson: 18.5

  13. Gloucester: 17.5

  14. Union: 17.5

  15. Warren: 17.5

  16. Salem: 15.5

  17. Burlington: 15

  18. Atlantic: 14.5

  19. Mercer: 14

  20. Camden: 14.5

  21. Cumberland: 10

Here is a map that shows where the coronavirus is slowing the most:

Murphy said 7,240 remain hospitalized in New Jersey, 1,990 of whom are in critical condition and 1,462 are in ventilators. On Wednesday, 752 people were discharged.

Murphy also paid tribute to people who lost their lives:

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.

Has the coronavirus peaked in New Jersey? Here's what the models show, and what Gov. Phil Murphy and state officials have had to say. Read more: Has The Coronavirus Peaked In New Jersey?

Watch Murphy here (there have been some video problems, but there was sound):

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Here's what else you should know:

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses. This includes:

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

This article originally appeared on the Teaneck Patch