Governor Phil Murphy this afternoon supplied the latest numbers from the ongoing COVID-19 crisis: 3,599 more positive tests, bringing the statewide total to 58,151. 1,650 people are on ventilators.In the last 24 hours the state processed the deaths of 251 people, bringing the statewide total of deaths to 2,183.

“We stand in prayer in solidarity,” said Murphy.

He paid tribute to former Councilwoman Viola Richardson, who served Ward F and at-large after serving her community as a Jersey City Police Officer.

“Her life defined the meaning of the word ‘public service,'” said the governor.

“While the numbers of our fellow residents is daunting, there are hundreds of people each day leaving the hospital those are folks who have gotten to a much better place that should give us hope,” he added. “I know hearing the daily numbers can be scary, but we cannot let up.”

He announced another step to slow the spread of the virus, ordering NJ Transit and private carriers to cut their capacity to 50% of their maximum load. The order further orders NJ Transit to supply staff with gloves and masks, and riders to wear masks.

“I’m expanding the order to all those walking into restaurants and bars for take out to wear a face covering [and for owners of establishments to supply masks and loves to their employees],” the governor said.

All of his orders are effective at 8 p.m. on Monday.

“We accept this is inconvenient. We accept the level of anxiety. Here’s the problem. If we don’t do any and all of the above, we put ourselves and our health care system at risk,” Murphy said. “We will get through this.”