N.J. Virus Transmission Rate Rises to Highest Level in Weeks

(Bloomberg) -- New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said the state’s virus transmission rate had risen to the highest level in weeks, suggesting the struggle to reopen while containing Covid-19 isn’t over.

The rate is now at 1.11, the governor said at a news briefing. Any number above 1 suggests the virus is spreading. The rate has been unstable since the state began reviving its economy in May, and Murphy has put any further reopenings, including indoor dining, on pause until it is controlled.

Murphy said his administration has three main areas of concern: young people gathering indoors, flareups at long-term care facilities and travelers coming from hot-spot states.

“It could be easy for us to look at how far we have come and get complacent,” Murphy said. “I ask you to look at what others are experiencing around the country.”

Case numbers are stubbornly climbing in all but six states, according to data tracked by Johns Hopkins University. On Thursday, Texas posted its worst day of fatalities, 129, and recorded more than 10,000 new cases for a third-straight day. Florida posted a record 156 new deaths.

“We’ve been through hell and I don’t want to go back to hell again,” Murphy said, urging residents to keep their social distance, wash hands and wear face coverings. “This is not time to let up. If anything, now is the time to redouble our efforts.”

The state reported 202 new cases, bringing the total to 176,551 -- a 0.11% increase that was slightly below the prior seven-day average of 0.18%.

Effective Monday, the state’s health department said, it will launch an electronic survey to collect information on out-of-state travelers arriving at New Jersey’s airports.

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