Governor Phil Murphy reported another 4,372 positive COVID-19 cases in New Jersey.

That brings the statewide total to 29,895 cases.

The state processed an additional 113 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours.

That brings the statewide death total to 646.

“One of those we lost was James Brown, the principal of the Grover Cleveland Middle School in Caldwell,” said Murphy.

He was only 48 years old.

The state also lost jazz legend Bucky Pizzarelli.

“Bucky was 94 years old and we mourn his loss and we mourn with his family and his many friends,” said the governor, who signed an executive order lowering the flags statewide for the duration of the crisis to honor the memories of the dead.

The U.S. and New Jersey flagswill  be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities indefinitely starting Friday, April 3rd, in recognition and mourning of all those who have lost their lives and been affected by COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has taken far too many relatives, friends, and loved ones in New Jersey,” said Murphy. “This virus has affected every corner of our state, and as we continue to work to break the back of this pandemic, we recognize those who have been lost to this terrible illness and all those affected by it. Many families cannot hold funerals for their loved ones at this time. By doing this, we remind them that their losses are not forgotten.”

Copy of Executive Order #114

He again warned that the death toll will continue to rise.

He said it’s fine for peope to cover their faces.

But he emphasized the need for people to continue to follow his stay at home order.

“Don’t ignore social distancing,” said Murphy, amid continued reports about people not taking the order seriously. “Behave as though you’re positive. That’s the way you’ve got to think about this.”

A source in Hunterdon earlier today described a trip to the store where the source witnessed numerous people moving around in close proximity. A source in Paterson likewise described ongoing socializing.

In his briefing, the govenror mentioned a conversation he had yesterday with Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, who he said sounded good following the executive’s positive COVID-19 test.