Gov. Murphy Renews New Jersey's Public Health Emergency; State Reports Highest New COVID-19 Case Count Since May
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order Saturday to extend New Jersey's public health emergency, citing a steep increase in coronavirus cases in recent days.
The extension was announced as the state reported 1,994 new positive cases, the highest number since May.
That brings the overall total to 227,339. On Friday, 874 people were hospitalized, the highest daily number since mid-July.
URGENT UPDATE: We're reporting 1,994 new positive cases of #COVID19, pushing our cumulative total to 227,339.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 24, 2020
We haven't seen daily case numbers this high since May. We're still in the midst of a pandemic and need everyone to take this seriously.
Wear a mask. Social distance. pic.twitter.com/KkKstQLwtF
Overall, more than 16,000 people have died of COVID-19 in New Jersey.
Public health emergencies expire every 30 days unless renewed. The first executive order declaring an emergency in the state was signed March 9. This is the eighth time it has been extended.
MORE: Surging Coronavirus Cases Prompt Boonton, N.J. Schools To Go Virtual
The latest extension does not reverse any of the gradual reopening steps the state has taken.
The governor also noted he and his wife once again tested negative for COVID. Murphy began self-quarantining after a senior staffer tested positive earlier this week.
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(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)