By NJ Spotlight

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This is an evening edition of our daily newsletter bringing you the latest updates on the coronavirus in New Jersey with reporting by NJ Spotlight & NJTV News. We are providing this as a public service to the daily subscribers of Today’s Spotlight. For a collection of all reporting so far, visit here. Today’s developments New Jersey reported today an additional 3,730 confirmed cases, bringing the total statewide to 109,038. That is more than 10 percent of all confirmed cases in the U.S., according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center.  The number of deaths rose by 75 to 5,938, the smallest daily increase since early April (although weekends can also see reporting lags).  Total number of hospitalization fell for the fifth straight day to 6,573, to the lowest total since the start of April (above chart).4,322 in medical/surgical beds1,804 in critical/intensive care, 1,418 requiring ventilators, 684 discharges. Statewide, 200,756 tests have been performed at the seven labs reporting to the state, of which 86,650 have returned positive for an overall positivity rate of 43.4%. All New Jersey’s COVID-19 data here.  State and federal response Gov. Phil Murphy said today on NBC’s Meet the Press that he foresees at least “a number of weeks” before the state can begin to significantly reopen its economy and loosen restrictions.  Murphy plans tomorrow to lay out a “blueprint” for deciding when and how to begin reopening the state.  The governor’s press briefing is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Monday and can be viewed here. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday outlined his broad plan and said it would call for a slow phased-in approach, with manufacturing and construction likely opening first as well as more-rural parts of the state. He did not lay out any specific dates. The NJ Department of Labor on Saturday posted step-by-step instructions for those going online to claim weekly unemployment benefits, starting Sunday. The guide can be found here.  Murphy on Friday signed Executive Order 128 outlining new protections for renters and homeowners during the COVID-19 pandemic. The order allows renters to use their security deposits to pay their rent, and establishes a portal and FAQ for tenants and landlords to get more information about their rights and responsibilities. In collaboration with the NJ Apartments Association, t urges all landlords to waive late fees and continue to work with tenants who cannot pay their rent due to COVID-19.

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