Coronavirus New Jersey: COVID-19 Death Toll Climbs Above 100 As Nearly 2,000 New Cases Reported In Garden State
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS/AP) -- The coronavirus-related death toll now stands above 100 as nearly 2,000 new cases were reported on Friday in New Jersey. Gov Phil Murphy says there are another 1,982 cases, bringing the statewide total to 8,825.
Another 27 people died from COVID-19, including Gloucester County's first death, as 108 patients total have now passed away from the virus in the Garden State.
"We mourn with these families and indeed with our entire state every precious life that has been lost," Murphy said during Friday's briefing.
The governor also said the state is dispersing $140 million to health care providers to help fight the virus.
Murphy's administration said Friday that roughly 60% of the 340,000 households who get help from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will see an extra benefit payment on Sunday.
Families that already get the federal maximum amount won't be eligible for the higher benefit, but Murphy's administration says about 205,000 households will qualify for it.
The money comes as part of federal legislation that set aside $70 million for New Jersey families.
Meanwhile, drive-thru testing centers for state residents in Bergen and Monmouth counties will be open Saturday only for workers in health care, law enforcement, Murphy said.
A new field hospital at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, which Murphy had announced earlier, is expected to open next week, the governor said. It will be a general hospital.
Another field hospital is set to open in Edison, though a date has not been given. That facility will be for COVID-19 patients.
On Friday, Jersey City opened two testing centers, one drive-thru and the other walk-up.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop is set to open the centers on Friday for city residents only.
He says that appointments are required and residents should call 201-547-5535.
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