No Overnight COVID-19 Fatalities for First Time Since March 10, but New Cases on Rise

By George N. Saliba, Managing Editor On Jul 31, 2020

No COVID-19 related fatalities were reported overnight in New Jersey hospitals for the first time since March 10, Gov. Murphy said today, as he simultaneously warned that deaths are a lagging indicator and that new COVID-19 cases are again occurring in greater number. Some 699 positive cases were reported today, and the statewide rate of coronavirus transmission is now 1.35, meaning that each new case is creating at least one other case.

Murphy said, “And given the recent number of cases, we anticipate, unfortunately, that [the rate of transmission] will go higher in the days ahead. … The numbers are setting off alarms that we are taking very seriously. We (New Jersey) still may be among the leaders in having the lower case numbers and daily positivity rates – we don’t take that for granted – but, we are standing at a very dangerous place.”

Murphy said people who refuse to wear masks, hold indoor house parties, and “overstuff boats” are contributing to the rise in cases.

Murphy reminded residents that indoor capacity limits are either 100 persons or 25% of a structure’s stated occupant capacity, whichever is the lesser figure. He said these limits could be further reduced, if necessary.

State COVID-19 Dashboard

Meanwhile, the state’s online COVID-19 dashboard data at COVID19.nj.gov is being transformed into a “more interactive and easy-to-navigate form,” Murphy said today. The site will now provide statewide and county-level trends in COVID-19 confirmed cases, deaths and hospitalizations.

Murphy added, “We are posting the percent positivity [for COVID-19 tests] by region and by date, and the number of cases can now be viewed by the date of illness onset. The breakdowns by race and ethnicity are given greater clarity, and we are also posting the complete curve of confirmed cases by date of death, as well as dates of the deaths we currently have listed as ‘probable.’”
 
Health Plans Tax

Although Murphy did not mention it at today’s state press conference, it was anticipated he would sign into law legislation imposing a 2.5% tax on certain state-regulated health plans.

While the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) was able to get amendments in the bill, including the exemption of small group and Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement plans, the association still opposed it as it will create more burdens on businesses already struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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