Coronavirus News: New Jersey reports nearly 2,000 new positive cases in one day

COVID-19 News and Information

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Saturday, October 24, 2020
New Jersey sees highest daily COVID increase since May

NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- New Jersey is seeing its highest increase in daily COVID-19 cases since May, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Saturday.

On Friday, 1,994 new positive cases were reported to the state, topping the previous day's total by more than 850.

Murphy extended the state's public health emergency for an additional 30 days.

"As we face a steep increase in cases, it could not be more important to ensure we have access to all available resources. Keeping New Jerseyans safe is our highest priority, today and every day," Murphy said in a statement.

The state also reported eight new confirmed COVID-19 deaths, bringing the statewide total to 14,492.

In neighboring New York, the state reported more than 2,000 new cases of COVID-19 for the second time this week Friday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Saturday.

Also concerning, the number of hospitalizations eclipsed 1,000.

That number had been slowly creeping up as health officials and authorities continue to work to combat several clusters across the state.

On Friday, Murphy said he would continue to be tested and remain isolated at home after revelations that two of his staffers tested positive for COVID-19.

Candace McCowan reports on how inter-state travel is also being discouraged in New Jersey.

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