Governor Phil Murphy this afternoon announced an additional 1,985 COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to 135,454. In addition, the state suffered the processing of 162 more COVID-19 deaths,  bringing the statewide total to 8,952.

New Jersey continues to move in the right direction, however, according to Murphy.

The state’s COVID-19 hospitalizations continues to trend down, including in the south.

There were 334 COVID-19 patients who went into hospitals in the last 24 hours, but also 464 discharges.

“This is a sign that the work we have all been doing… is working, and that has put us in this position,” the governor said. “There is no cure. There is no vaccine. We only have social distancing, or social solidarity.”

Washing hands.

Face coverings.

The economic situation, of course, is grim.

In the midst of the state’s COVID-19 crisis,trying to get New Jersey upright, Murphy this afternoon announced his signing of an executive order creating a restart advisory council. “This is a boots-on-the-ground real world approach,” the governor said. “It will break into nine committees, which will begin meeting virtally next week.”

Details imminent.

Also, the Bergen COVID-19 testing site will provide tests to certain asymptomatic individuals, the governor announced. “That is critical so that testing is available to our frontline workers,” Murphy said.

At this time, there are 122 COVID-19 testing sites around the state.

Murphy today ordered that the U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Friday, May 8^th, in recognition of the 75^th Anniversary of V-E Day. The flags will also fly at half-staff to honor the victims of COVID-19, pursuant to Executive Order No. 114, which remains in effect indefinitely.

“Today, we celebrate the brave soldiers, including many New Jerseyans, that set off to Europe to fight for freedom, for American values, and to defeat fascism.” said the governor. “Seventy-five years ago, good triumphed over evil due to the sacrifices of so many, including some who never made it back home. We are eternally grateful to every soldier that answered the call to service in our time of greatest need.”