An emphatic Governor Phil Murphy announced an additional 2,494 positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to 130,593.

New Jersey lost 334 lives to COVID-19, bringing thhe statewide total to 8,244.

Among the dead: Dr. Gerald Glisson of Paterson, principal of Eastside High School.

He celebrated the slowed rates of doubling of new COVID-19 cases.

A majority of counties are showing 30 days to double.

We have experienced one full week of declining numbers.

But the state remains in rocky circumstances, the governor said.

“Three-hundred and eighty-five people entered the hospital yesterday with COVID-19,” Murphy said. “Please God, I hope all of them get out of there, but the data shows otherwise. Let’s keep focused on the task ahead.”

Wear a face covering, a kerchief or handkerchief, Murphy said.

Wash hands with soap and water.

“Data determines dates,” he said with emphasis, pushing back against percolating calls for New Jersey to swing wide the doors.

At today’s briefing, Murphy noted the state’s ability to use $467 million in school aid from $2.4 billion in CARES Act Funding.

He begged Congress for more state relief.