From the Asbury Park Press and the Associated Press

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Sunday morning state officials are considering a statewide curfew as one way to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Murphy called in to a New York City radio station and was asked about Hoboken, where a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew will begin on Monday, and Teaneck, where residents have been told to self-quarantine.

“We’re not there at a statewide level on either of those steps, but we could be,” said Murphy, who had called in to WBLS 107.5 FM. “The curfew is probably, of the two, is probably the more immediate one under consideration. But these are the things we have to consider, we have no choice.”

On Saturday, Murphy announced the second death in the state from coronavirus, a woman in her 50s who was being cared for at CentraState Medical Center in Monmouth County. 

There were 69 other known coronavirus cases in New Jersey as of Saturday, and officials expect that number to rise as testing becomes more available.

The spread of the virus has altered daily life for New Jersey residents and with every day, there are more cases confirmed and new calls for social-distancing.

HOBOKEN CURFEW

Hours after announcing that gyms, health clubs, day cares and movie theaters would join the list of closures in Hoboken, Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla announced the forthcoming curfew and additional restrictions.

The citywide curfew that begins Monday will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and requires all residents to remain in their homes, barring emergencies. People who are required to report to work are exempted, the statement released late Saturday said.

To further limit gatherings, the city’s Office of Emergency Management will not permit restaurants and bars to serve food within their premises. Bars that don’t serve food will be shut down, effective Sunday at 11 a.m. Any establishment that serves food will be allowed to conduct takeout and delivery service.

Don’t miss Coronavirus news Click for Blog updates