Coronavirus Update: N.J. Cases Up To 23, Some St. Patrick's Day Parades Cancelled
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A day after announcing the first death in New Jersey due to coronavirus, Gov. Phil Murphy provided an update Wednesday as the number of cases in the state continues to grow.
The governor said there were eight new cases overnight, bringing the state's total to 23, including the man who died on Tuesday morning, CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis reported.
"I think as a general matter folks have to take this seriously, but, again, folks should not panic," Murphy said.
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Murphy sent the same message: Use common sense, and if you don't feel well, stay home. He said the state is monitoring large events on a case-by-case basis, including scheduled St. Patrick's Day parades across the state.
"Someone weighed in and said, 'Listen, are we good to go with St. Patrick's Parade?' As of now, the answer is yes. The parade, you're good to go with. However, the parties in confines, in the tightly packed rooms both before and after parade we're not so constructive with and we would discourage that without question," Murphy said.
Later on Wednesday, Newark decided not to go ahead with a parade this month.
"After careful consideration, and in the best interest of our participants and attendees, the 85th Annual Newark St. Patrick's Day Parade will be postponed due to the current coronavirus situation," said Brian M. Lowe, publicity chair for the Newark St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, in a statement. "While disappointed, we are actively working to reschedule the event in September, billed as the 85th and-a-halfway to St. Patrick's Day Parade. Details on the event will be released at a later date."
Right now, some say the risk of having such large gatherings, like a parade, is a mistake.
"I think they should err on the side of caution and just cancel things. You have people drinking, mingling, rubbing elbows, I mean, it's highly contagious at this point. I think they should just shut it down," said Ellory Scott of Englewood.
Others say extreme reactions are not necessary.
"I think that people are overreacting a little bit," said Nina Patro of Bloomfield. "It is something to worry about if you're immuno-compromised or have preexisting health conditions, but other than that I think it's just like the flu. If you're healthy, wash your hands, take care of yourself, and it should go away."
All of this comes a day after officials announced the first death in New Jersey due to COVID-19 -- Little Ferry resident John Brennan, 69, who had a history of serious health issues. His heartbroken sister remembered him as the best brother in a post on Facebook.
"Particularly where you look at where this virus has struck deepest are our seniors and folks with pre-existing health challenges or compromised immune systems," Murphy said.
In order to protect seniors, Bergen County is closing its closing county-operated senior centers until further notice. In addition, Bergen County technical schools are now closed, and Rutgers University is joining a national trend by switching to online classes after spring break.
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As far as K-12 schools, Murphy said he's monitoring the situation with superintendents and the Department of Education.
"We take this one step in front of the other. Our objective, again, is be fact-based, be transparent, and get as out ahead of this as humanely possible. That goes for schools. That goes for communities up and down the state," Murphy said.
Watch: N.J. Officials Discuss Coronavirus Outbreak
It's still unclear how Brennan got the virus, but health officials are investigating who else he may have come in contact with. Regarding the other cases, Gov. Murphy said 20 people are hospitalized and two are self-quarantined at home.
Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said of the new positive tests cases on Wednesday, four are from Bergen County, and two each from Middlesex and Monmouth counties. They range in age from 17 to 66 years old. Another 37 people are currently under investigation.
The state announced it is receiving $14 million in federal grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assist ongoing efforts.
