N.J. Cases Top 100,000 With Some Counties’ Progress Slipping

(Bloomberg) -- New Jersey cases topped 100,000 as progress slipped in several counties. Governor Phil Murphy said he won’t “ease up one bit” on social distancing until the state makes more improvement slowing the spread.

The state reported 3,047 new positive tests, pushing the total to 102,196. While hospitalizations and ventilator use declined, and discharges exceeded admissions, several of the state’s 21 counties are doubling cases in around a week, a faster pace than days earlier.

The governor said that on Monday he will discuss a framework for re-opening businesses, workplaces and government services.

“We need to see more progress, and more slowing, before we can begin” considering reopening, Murphy said Friday on a press briefing.

New Jersey reported an additional 253 deaths, for a total of 5,617. It continues to add testing sites and press federal government for waivers to open more. It’s also working to speed up results.

State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli warned against the misuse of disinfectants a day after President Donald Trump suggested that the mixtures, taken internally, could combat the virus.

“They should never be ingested or injected,” she said.

Trump today said his words were meant as a sarcastic response to a reporter’s question.

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