A Bergen County man in his 60s is the first to die from COVID-19, Gov. Phil Murphy and Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver announced Tuesday. “Our prayers are with the family during this difficult time," the two said in a joint statement. "We remain vigilant to doing all we can — across all levels of government — to protect the people of New Jersey.”
The victim was a 69-year-old man who had other health issues, including diabetes and emphysema, New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said.
He died Tuesday morning at Hackensack University Medical Center.
The announcement came a day after Murphy announced a statewide state of emergency against the strain of coronavirus.
He called the move an "abundance of precaution and prudence."
The executive order should not cause alarm, the governor said. Instead, he said it removes any bureaucratic barriers and will make sure state, county and local governments along with schools can take the proper precautionary measures.
There are currently six confirmed cases of the strain, COVID19, across the state.
None in Atlantic County.
"For the overwhelming majority, this will have no immediate impact on daily life," the governor said.
The move will also combat any price gouging, he added.
Murphy also said they will work to make sure cost is not an issue. "I urge everyone to remain calm and measured and keep doing the little things you can do to prevent the spread of illness." In addition to the six confirmed cases, there are 27 people currently under investigation as potentially having COVID19, according to Health Commissioner Persichelli, including two in Cumberland County.
The governor reminded residents to wash their hands with soap and water, cough into the crook of their arm, not to touch their faces and "if you don't feel well, stay home from school or work."
Note: This story originally ran March 9, 2020. It has been updated to include one death.
