CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus update: NJ deaths rise to 44, with 3,675 infected

NorthJersey.com

Here's the latest news on the spread of coronavirus in New Jersey. We will continue to update throughout the day as we learn more. 

How many coronavirus cases are there in NJ?

As of Tuesday, March 24, there were 3,675 cases in the state. 

Public health officials expect the number of cases to rise as the state expands its capacity for testing.

How many people have died of coronavirus complications in NJ?

There have been 44 deaths related to coronavirus in New Jersey. Nine of the new deaths were linked to long-term care facilities. Officials reported 17 new deaths Tuesday in the following counties:

  • Bergen (5)
  • Morris (3)
  • Essex (3)
  • Hudson (2)
  • Monmouth (1)
  • Camden (1)
  • Passaic (1)
  • Union (1)

How many people are hospitalized in NJ for coronavirus?

As of Friday evening, 100 patients in New Jersey hospitals were positive for coronavirus and another 600 patients were awaiting test results to determine whether they have the virus, said state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.

Where are the coronavirus cases in NJ?

Below is a map of coronavirus cases in New Jersey. Get a county-by-county breakdown here. 

Here's what's happening in North Jersey today

2:15 p.m.

Murphy said New Jersey is getting another shipment of protective equipment from the national stockpile including 200,000 N95 masks and more than 84,000 respirators. 

2:00 p.m.

Gov. Phil Murphy says the state has applied for the federal waiver to cancel all standardized testing scheduled for April. Murphy says he expects it to be approved. 

1:00 p.m.

A corrections officer at Essex County's jail in Newark has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, county officials said Tuesday. 

Officials, in an emailed statement, said the staff member notified the leadership of the Essex County Correctional Facility of the results and the person has not been at the jail since March 16.  

7:20 a.m.

The Bergen County testing site at Bergen Community College reached capacity. Tuesday marked the fifth day in a row the site reached capacity early.

The site is supposed to be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. but reached capacity before opening time. Only people exhibiting symptoms should go to get tested. 

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Coronavirus in NJ

What restrictions has NJ put in place for social distancing?

Nearly all businesses are closed in the state except those offering essential services, including:

  • Businesses offering essential services will remain open, including:
  • Hospitals, health care facilities and stores within the facilities
  • Grocery stores and liquor stores
  • Farmers markets and farms that sell directly to customers
  • Food banks
  • Pharmacies
  • Medical supply stores
  • Gas stations and convenience stores
  • Banks and other financial institutions
  • Pet supply stores 
  • Hardware and home improvement stores
  • Laundromats and dry-cleaning services
  • Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair and auto mechanics
  • Mail and delivery stores
  • Stores that principally sell supplies for children under 5 years old
  • Physical therapy offices
  • Restaurants, liquor stores and bars providing take out may also remain open. 

All NJ residents have been asked to stay home except to do things like head to the grocery store, seek medical care, visit close family or someone you have a "close personal relationship" with like a romantic partner, report to work or go outside for exercise. And even then, residents should not leave their homes between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. 

Employees still required to go to work include law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, cashiers or store clerks, construction workers, utility workers, repair workers, warehouse workers, lab researchers, IT maintenance workers and janitorial and custodial staff. 

How can you get a coronavirus test in NJ?

Due to limited supplies, current state policy is to test “our most vulnerable individuals,” state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli has said.

That includes:

  • Hospitalized patients suspected of having COVID-19.
  • Symptomatic health care workers who have been exposed.
  • Individuals who may be part of a cluster or outbreak, based on close-contact exposure. 
  • Medically fragile individuals in communal settings.
  • If you do not have symptoms, you do not need to be tested. If you have mild symptoms, most facilities will not test you.

New Jersey has begun to open drive-thru testing centers, including one at Bergen Community College and one at PNC Bank Arts Center. However, in order to be tested at one of these sites, you must exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 and show New Jersey identification. 

What you need to know about coronavirus

How can I keep from getting sick?

The CDC recommends simple preventive steps, including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • 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 wipe.

What should you do if you think you have coronavirus?

Don't run to the doctor's office – call first!

You should be prepared to answer questions about your symptoms, your travel history and your risk of exposure to the virus. This is called telephone triage, as the questioner assesses the urgency of your situation. Large health systems and hospitals have scripts for their staff to follow, listing the questions they should ask. 

“Anyone who calls in with symptoms of upper respiratory infection, we ask: ‘Do you have fever, chills, and have you traveled?’ ” said Dr. Kennedy Ganti, a primary care physician in Willingboro and a board member of the Medical Society of New Jersey. 

How should I treat my illness?

  • Stay at home and rest.
  • Avoid close contact with people in your house so you won't make them sick.
  • Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent dehydration.
  • Treat fever and cough with medicines you can buy at the store.
  • Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing).