New Jersey sustained 2,289 new positive COVID-19 cases, today, Saturday, March 28, bringing the statewide total to 11,124.

“We are now into five digits,” said Governor Phil Murphy, who gave his daily briefing today at the War Memorial in Trenton.

Since Murphy gave his Friday briefing, thirty-two (32) New Jerseyans died in 24 hours.

That is the most to date in a 24-hour period.

A total of 140 New Jerseyans have died from the virus.

A visibly weary but still willfully upbeat inspite of it all Murphy expressed frustration over people not taking seriously his stay-in-place order, now a week old.

“Let me give you an example of something not to do,” said the governor, who said he intends to keep “naming and shaming” those who do not comply.

“Last night, Ewing Twp. Police broke up a party of 47 people [in a small apartment, complete with a DJ],” said the governor.

“This is not a game,” he added. “It is critical you stay at home unless you absolutely have to go out. Stay home. Period. If you do go out, to a pharmacy or [grocery store], keep a safe, six-foot distance, including family and friends you may be with.”

Murphy today announced that financial institutions will provide mortgage forbearance and financial protections for New Jerseyans facing economic hardship as a result COVID-19.

“Your landlord can’t kick you out during this emergency,” said the governor.

“Millions of hardworking New Jerseyans are suffering financial losses through no fault of their own as a result of the economic downturn brought on by COVID-19,” he noted. “With this initiative, we can ensure that no one loses their home during this public health crisis. I commend our private sector partners for doing their part to reduce financial uncertainty for New Jersey families.”

Building on a similar initiative in California, Murphy said he secured support from Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, in addition to over 40 other federal and state-chartered banks,  credit unions, and servicers to protect New Jersey homeowners. More financial institutions are expected to sign on in the coming days.  The New Jersey Bankers Association, CrossState Credit Union Association and the Mortgage Bankers Association of New Jersey have endorsed this initiative and are encouraging all their members to adopt these policies.

Colonel Pat Callahan of the New Jersey State Police listed urgently needed equipment New Jersey received last night after conversations Murphy said he had with the Trump Administration.

The equipment includes:

121,000 masks

287,000 surgical masks

62,000 face shields

51,000 surgical gloves

3,500 coveralls

368,000 gloves

1,000 medical beds.

“Confirmed cases are rising quickly,” said State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli

Of the 32 deaths in 24 hours, the county breakdown is as follows:

Bergen and Union: 7

Middlesex: 5

Morris: 3

Hudson, Passaic and Essex: 2 each

Ocean, Somerset, Warren and Sussex: One each.

The fatalties were 20 male and 12 female.

The age range was 30 years to 100 years.

Cases with underlying conditions: 12 of the 32; the rest are under investigation.

None of the deaths were associated with a long-term care facility.

County by county breakdown of new confirmed cases:

Atlantic: 4

Bergen: 250 (1,838 total cases; leading all counties)

Burlinton: 27

Camden: 28

Cumberland: 2

Essex: 197 (1,086 total, number two)

Gloucester: 8

Hudson: 155

Hunterdon: 7

Mercer: 36

Middlesex: 126

Monmouth: 122

Morris: 42

Ocean: 86

Passaic: 88

Somerset: 29

Sussex: 13

Union: 132

Warren: 9