Thread by @GovMurphy

We’re taking every appropriate step to reduce the spread of coronavirus, limit the harm, and care for the sick. We’re following the facts on the ground so we can ensure our response is fully directed by medical expertise and sound science.

New Jersey has been ahead of the curve in our #COVID19 preparations. We will continue to be so if we follow our north star:
✅To be smart and measured
✅To take steps that are appropriate
✅To be guided by facts and science

We’ve received 21 new presumptive positive test results since yesterday, bringing our statewide total to 50.

Yesterday, I recommended the cancellation of all public gatherings, statewide, of 250+ people. I reiterate this recommendation, and if necessary will mandate it.

Social distancing represents our best chance to #FlattenTheCurve.

With regard to our public schools, we have been and are now actively working with our public school districts on extended closure plans to prepare for a potential statewide closure.

For many districts, that time is now. For others, we're working to ensure that when their time comes, they will be prepared to provide all critical services for their community.

We're working toward the inevitability that every district will be closed for a prolonged period of time. Each district and community has their own set of challenges and reality.

We will be guided not just by public health needs but also ensuring the individual needs of those districts are being met.

We must take into account the significant educational and socioeconomic impacts which occur when schools are closed for extended periods. We need to ensure solutions to mitigate these impacts a statewide closure would have before such a declaration.

We must ensure that we have plans for a child’s well-being, food security, and remote-learning as we close down our schools.

At @NJ_MVC, all residents who have their driver’s license, auto registration, or vehicle inspection due for renewal by May 31 will receive an AUTOMATIC TWO-MONTH EXTENSION.

This means if you have a March 31 expiration date, you now have until May 31. If you have an April 30 expiration date, you have until June 30. If you have a May 31 expiration date, you have until July 31.

Additionally, today, I wrote the federal government requesting a nationwide extension of the REAL ID deadline.

.@NJBPU has confirmed that, in cooperation with our utility companies, all utility shut-off orders have been VOLUNTARILY AND UNIVERSALLY SUSPENDED for the time-being.

Our administration has applied to @USDOT for the necessary waiver to allow our trucking industry the flexibility it needs to keep supplies rolling to market.

.@NJDHS has been in contact with the federal government to seek a waiver that would allow SNAP recipients an additional one-half-month’s worth of benefits, so families can stock-up on food and other supplies.

We’re also currently working to receive federal waivers to ensure that school children in districts impacted by closures retain access to a healthy lunch.

We received word last night from @HHSGov that, in the coming days, a shipment of medical supplies will be arriving in NJ for our front-line public-health responders – including more than 84,000 N95 respirators, 200,000 surgical masks, 38,000 face shields, and other needed items.

We will continue to engage with the federal government and will continue to push, as needed, to make sure we have the ability to meet the needs of New Jersey.

New Jersey has some of the nation’s strongest laws as they pertain to mandatory paid sick leave and expanded paid family leave. These were smart policies before this emergency – and they are absolutely necessary today.

The steps we are taking to stabilize our state’s financial health – a stronger surplus, and hundreds of millions of dollars in our rainy-day fund – are more essential than ever.

We continue to urge everyone to continue doing all they can to help mitigate this emergency – wash your hands, practice safe respiratory hygiene, and keep a safe 6-foot distance from others, especially those who may be ill.

Please make a phone call to older neighbors or family members during this time. This is a time of heightened anxiety for them – check in and make sure they have everything they need to be safe.

We must recognize the tremendous efforts of every public health worker who is putting the rest of his or her life on hold to help us respond to this emergency.

I also thank the janitorial and custodial staffs everywhere – from schools and hospitals to office buildings – who are doing all they can keep the places where people go clean. We cannot thank these people enough.

We need to take this public health emergency on as one New Jersey family. If we all stay focused – if we all do our parts – we can better protect our families and our state, and be a leader in winning the fight against the coronavirus.