TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) — New Jersey announced more measures Thursday to help with an expected surge over the next few weeks as COVID-19 cases topped 25,000. Gov. Phil Murphy visited the first of three medical field hospitals in the state that are intended to relieve some capacity issues at several hospitals.
NJ National Guard 1st Lt. Matt Finlay with JTF-57 talks about the set up of a Federal Medical Station at the Meadowlands Exposition Center. JTF-57 is supporting state and local officials w/ the COVID-19 relief effort. Video by Spc. Michael Schwenk @USNationalGuard #JerseyStrong pic.twitter.com/5BehaljxNY
READ MORE: 6 Dr. Seuss Books Won't Be Published For Racist Images— NJ National Guard (@NJNationalGuard) April 2, 2020
The high daily totals of COVID-19 in New Jersey continued with almost 3,500 hundred more cases, bringing the total to 25,590. Murphy also announced 182 additional deaths, bringing the fatality count to 537.
“Again, I know these numbers are stark, they are certainly sobering, they are shocking and they are indeed sad.”
UPDATE: We’ve received 3,489 new positive #COVID19 cases since yesterday, bringing our total to 25,590.
We’ve lost another 182 members of our New Jersey family to #COVID19 related complications. We've now lost a total of 537 precious souls. We keep each of them in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/skNjniSV9x
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 2, 2020
Some relief is now arriving as the first of three field hospitals being built in New Jersey is now ready at the Meadowlands. Several North Jersey hospitals who are already struggling with capacity will be able to send non-COVID patients and take care of them should they contract the virus.
“This site will be a valuable resource for our northern New Jersey hospitals who are already experiencing increased demands for care,” New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said.
READ MORE: WATCH: Pennsylvania Health Officials To Provide COVID-19 Vaccine UpdateTo help essential workers with children, the state is also launching an emergency childcare assistance program to help parents cover costs. In response to concerns about child and domestic abuse during these trying times, they’re making for social services available over the phone and online.
“This is the time to be the best friend, neighbor or church community that you can be. Reach out, let them know it’s OK to feel overwhelmed and that you care about them, and if there’s anything you can do to help,” Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer said.
To address the growing needs of health care workers and first responders, Murphy signed an executive order allowing state police to commandeer medical equipment, including N95 masks and ventilators, necessary for the COVID-19 response.
BREAKING: Today I’m signing an Executive Order formally authorizing @NJSP Colonel Callahan to commandeer medical supplies and equipment that are necessary for our #COVID19 response. This may run the gamut from N95 masks and other PPE, to ventilators. pic.twitter.com/IKf4tP6xbA
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 2, 2020
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield is also spending $2.35 million to help address the extreme shortage of personal protection equipment across the state. They are donating 500,000 N95 respirator masks and 81,000 face shields.
“Our communities and our health care system are facing extraordinary challenges and Horizon is responding with our most significant donation ever to support New Jersey’s vital organizations and health care professionals. We are working closely with the many community organizations we support across the state to ensure they can continue delivering the essential services that so many depend on and meet the new demands created by the pandemic,” Horizon BCBSNJ CEO Kevin Colin said.
The first shipment of supplies will be delivered to the state for distribution beginning next week with additional deliveries throughout April.
Horizon BCBSNJ is also donating $100,000 to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and $60,000 to the Jewish Family Service of Atlantic and Cape May.
New Jersey officials believe the death counts will continue to rise and reiterated that extreme social distancing can save lives.
CBS3’s Cleve Bryan contributed to this report.
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