Governor Phil Murphy grimly assumed a familiar position this afternoon at the War Memorial in Trenton as he reported more bad news in this state in the midst of the COVID-19 catastrophe.

In 24 hours, New Jersey sustained 4,331 more positive cases of the virus, bringing the statewide total to 34,124.

The state processed the deaths of two-hundred (200) more residents since yesterday’s report, bringing the total loss of live to COVID-19 to 846 people.

Murphy called for a moment of silence.

“The flags will continue to fly at half staff for the duration of this pandemic,” the governor said.

Among the dead:

Retired Army Colonel Samuel Fuoco of Eatontown.

“We thank you for his life of service, as we do every single one of our proud veterans,” said the governor.

Jesus Villaluz, a patient transport worker at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck;

and Perry Rosenstein, the uncle of CWA-NJ Director Hetty Rosenstein, who led the Puffin Foundation in Teaneck for the arts and the Abraham Lincoln Brigide Archives to chronicle the American veterans who stood against fascism during the Spanish Civil War.

“Keep practicing your social distancing,” Murphy advised New Jersey. “By being a part, we’re actually working together.”

New Jersey Health Coommissioner Judith Persichilli spoke about the 200 new deaths in New Jersey from COVID-19.

She identified the counties of the deceased.

47 were from Bergen

37 from Essex

21 from Ocean

8 each from Mercer and Morris

6 from Monmouth

4 from Passaic

3 from Warren

1 from Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Hunterdon, Somerset and Sussex

Nine of these new deaths were residents of longterm care facilities.

‘We join with the governor and offer condolences to the families,” said Persichilli.

Of the total 846 deaths:

61% were male

39% were female

The age range of those cases: six cases (or one percent) under the age of 30

six percent: ages 30 – 49

16%: ages 50-64

32%: ages 65-79

46% were over the age of 80.

300 people among the dead had underlying health conditions.

Officials identified 4 as not having an underlying health condition.

542 off the dead are still under investigation.

“We expect those with underlying conditions to increase,” Persichilli said.