Coronavirus: More than 700 new cases, 14 deaths across Middlesex, Union counties – MyCentralJersey.com

The death toll from the coronavirus surpassed 160 across Middlesex and Union counties Monday as cases kept climbing.

According to the state Department of Health, 299 new cases were reported in Middlesex County, bringing its total to 3,263, while 419 new cases were reported in Union County, bringing its total to 3,685.

Seven additional deaths were reported in Middlesex County for a total of 87, and seven additional deaths were reported in Union County for a total of 78, according to the state Department of Health. 

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READ: Coronavirus: Middlesex County town-by-town cases for April 6

Among New Jersey counties, Union ranked fifth in total cases, behind Bergen, which had 6,862; Essex, which had 4,493, Hudson, which had 4,395, and Passaic, which had 3,756. Middlesex County ranked sixth. 

Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday there were 3,663 new cases reported in the state, bringing the total to 41,090. There were 86 new deaths for a total of 1,003.

“I know these numbers can be scary,” said Murphy, after he paid homage to some of the deceased. “We cannot give in to fear or sadness. We must resolve to continue our fight together.”  

Out of the more than 89,000 tests that have been performed to date, state Health Commisoner Judith Persichilli said 43.44% have returned positive.

On the positive side, Murphy said the curve is flattening, but this is no time “to spike any footballs or to take our foot off the gas.” 

“Even if the curve is flatter, we still have a week and a half to go, at least, until we hit the peak,” he said. “This is not over and not by a long shot.” 

He again emphasized the importance of social distancing, handwashing and staying at home.  

Sen. Cory Booker also made an appearance at Monday’s briefing, and spoke of positive, more inclusive changes in unemployment requirements and payouts, as well as the federal cash payments, which should begin being disseminated next week.

Middlesex County

Woodbridge had its worst day to date with 80 new cases reported to in the last 24 hours, which brought its total to 381, Mayor John E. McCormac said Monday.  

“All of the experts have pointed to this week as likely being the peak. In terms of positive tests and our numbers certainly support that,” McCormac said. “We do not have details about all 80 cases yet, but for those we have we still cannot determine any clustering by area of town.” 

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The mayor asked that residents check on elderly neighbors and those who live alone.

Middlesex Borough Mayor John Madden said Monday five additional borough residents tested positive, bringing the total there to 41. 

Perth Amboy canceled its City Council caucus and regular meeting, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy is providing emergency child care services for essential employees with children ages 0 to 12 years. The service began Monday. 

Child care services are being provided at the Edison YMCA, 1775 Oak Tree Road, Edison, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The service is open to the community and you do not need to be a member of the YMCA to register, according to a release.  

While essential employees include first responders, health care workers, law enforcement, military and emergency management personnel, they also include workers at essential retail businesses such as grocery store clerks, gas station attendants and banks. 

For more information, visit www.ymcaofmewsa.org/child-care/emergency-child-care-services.

Union County 

As of Sunday, the latest information available, Plainfield had 221 cases with an additional 247 people quarantined because of exposure to the virus, according to Mayor Adrian Mapp. 

On Sunday, Summit reported to new cases, bringing its total to 81.

Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com

Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

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