Governor Phil Murphy announced on Tuesday that he is extending New Jersey’s public health emergency over the coronavirus pandemic for the 11th time, while the state continues to deal with thousands of new cases reported daily.
Murphy signed an executive order extending the statement for another 30 days, until the end of January. The order expires after 30 days if it is not extended.
“Given where we are today, we must remain in a proper position,” said Murphy at his last COVID meeting in Trenton.
Murphy announced another 3,761 confirmed cases of coronavirus on Tuesday and an additional 54 confirmed deaths.
CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live Map Tracker | Newsletter | Home page
The order gives Murphy the power to continue taking executive measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. It does not reverse any of the measures taken by the governor to reopen the state or institute new restrictions, but maintains the current state restrictions in effect.
Murphy declared a state of emergency and public health emergency on March 9, when COVID-19 was beginning to spread in Garden State. The state of emergency – which is undefined – gives state authorities certain executive powers and allows the state to receive federal aid. The public health emergency allows the governor to take even broader steps to protect New Jersey under the state’s Emergency Health Powers Act.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com
Matt Arco can be contacted at [email protected].