Dr. Ed Lifshitz

It is the first time since June 13 that there have been more than 100 deaths reported on a given day, Gov. Phil Murphy said, and the first time since the end of May that there were two or more consecutive days with more than 100 deaths. 

The new case level exceeds the high points of the pandemic’s first wave, which saw approximately 4,800 new cases on several days in April. 

All indoor youth and adult sports will be suspended starting on Dec. 5, and continuing through Jan. 2, and outdoor gatherings will be reduced further, to 25 people starting on Dec. 7. 

Residents are being urged to confine Thanksgiving celebrations to immediate family only, and to take measures such as having a celebration outdoors if feasible, or indoors with ample ventilation if not. Party hosts are also urged to have supplies such as masks, hand sanitizer and single-use towels on hand for guests. 

On Thursday, Oct. 8, health officials reported 1,301 new cases, compared to only 522 reported on Oct. 5. This brings the state total to 211,148 total cases. 

Monday’s number compares with the 519 new cases reported on Friday, Sept. 18. The beginning of fall this week has prompted concerns about increases in cases, with more people spending time indoors as the weather turns colder.

Murphy and Ed Lifshitz, director of the communicable diseases service of the state Health Department, said the state is not aware of any reports of in-school transmission. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 19, the president filed a lawsuit against Murphy’s administration, alleging that statewide vote-by-mail would be vulnerable to voter fraud, and that Murphy’s executive orders on vote-by-mail are unconstitutional.

The reopening of non-essential retail businesses also includes stores located at shopping malls, but those stores must adhere to the same guidelines, with only store employees being allowed inside and curbside delivery being provided. The interior areas of malls remain off-limits to customers.