In 24 hours, New Jersey absorbed 2,492 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the state to a total of 6,876, Governor Phil Murphy told the state on Thursday afternoon.

Nineteen (19) New Jerseyans died in the last 24 hours from complications related to COVID-19, bringing the total to 81. That compares to 736 new COVID-19 cases yesterday with a statewide total of 4,402  confirmed cases.

“Everyone please, please, please continue to follow our stay at home directive,” Murphy said. “Don’t think because you feel fine after a few days that it’s ok to resume your previous normal life style. It is not.”

The governor said he does not intend to revisit the schools opening question until at least April 17.

On this coming Saturday, March 28th, at the Bergen Community College and PNC Bank Arts Center drive-thru centers, only symptomatic first responders will be permitted to be tested. Then, on April 4th, and every Saturday thereafter, the PNC Bank Arts Center testing site will be open only for symptomatic first responders.

Regarding the two trillion dollar stimulus bill, “This bill is but a first step in the right direction. We will need billions more,” Murphy said.

The governor told reporters he had reiterated his ask to the federal government’s national strategic stockpile for four and half million and ninety-five masks and 2,500 ventilators.

Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli spoke to 24 COVID-19 cases at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Woodbridge and three deaths. At that site, “We made the assumption that residents and staff had all been exposed to COVID-19,” Persichilli said.

We have 2,000 critical care beds in New Jersey.

We need 2,000 more, she added.

Murphy reiterated his commitment to enforcing his social distancing edict.

“Anyone who has a corona party, we will crash your party,” the governor said.