NJ Hospitalizations ‘Flat,’ but Social Distancing Measures to Remain

By George N. Saliba, Managing Editor On Apr 21, 2020

As some southern states prepare to reopen their economies, Gov. Phil Murphy said that New Jerseyans could expect continued, strict social distancing measures.

“We continue to see a trend emerging – and I say ‘emerging’ – in the leveling of the rate of new [COVID-19] cases,” Murphy said. “We have a significant flattening of the curve, but that is not enough – and I wish it were – to go back to business as usual. … Not by a long shot.”

He added, “We need to see this curve finally start its decline, and so we must keep our strong social distancing and policies in place for at least the next several weeks.”

COVID-19 Update

There were 3,643 new COVID-19 positive test results announced at today’s press conference, for a cumulative statewide total of 92,387 cases. Another 379 new fatalities were also announced today for a death toll of 4,753, thus far.

New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said, “As the hospitals reported last night, there were 7,594 hospitalizations; 400 of them should have been reported the day before. So, we have really seen a flattening out of the hospitalizations.”

She added, “This is basically flat, and it has been for the last three days.”

Central Hospitals

That said, a total of nine hospitals were on divert status last night, with five of those hospitals located in central New Jersey, according to Persichilli.

She said, “That’s the first time we have had central region hospitals more on divert than the northern region. As we have shared, we are seeing the increase in COVID-19 individuals and persons under investigation – we have seen that increase come from the north, and it is now hitting central. Most of the critical care beds in the central region, right now, are full.”

Atlantic City Field Medical Station

The Atlantic City Field Medical Station in the Atlantic City Convention Center is open and may begin accepting patients as early as today, Persichilli said.

Persichilli explained, “Our alternate care sites are increasing capacity and allowing our acute care hospitals to focus solely on those patients in need of the most critical care.”

Relief to Students

Also at today’s press conference, Gov. Murphy announced relief measures for those with private student loans.

The state said, “New Jersey residents with commercially-owned Federal Family Education Program Loans or privately held student loans who are struggling to make their payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible for expanded relief.  The initiative is modeled on the agreement made by the New York Department of Financial Services with commercial student loan servicers in its state. Borrowers in need of assistance must immediately contact their student loan servicer to identify the options that are appropriate to their circumstances. Relief options offered by participating servicers include:

• Providing a minimum of 90 days of forbearance relief for borrowers;
• Waiving late payment fees for borrowers;
• Ensuring no borrower is subject to negative credit reporting;
• Ceasing debt collection lawsuits for 90 days; and
• Working with eligible borrowers to enroll them in other applicable borrower assistance programs.”

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