‘Life as we know it has changed’: New Jersey health commissioner’s makes somber coronavirus plea to the public to ‘look after yourselves’ and ‘maintain a sense of community’ while isolating
- Judith Persichilli appeared at a press conference with Governor Phil Murphy as the state implemented a 8pm to 5am curfew
- She said: ‘Each of us must take personal responsibility for breaking the cycle’
- Persichilli said she sympathized with how isolated people will start to feel
- She urged everyone to ‘reach out’ on FaceTime or calls to their loved ones
- The coronavirus death toll in the US reached 74 on Monday and cases passed 4,000
- Individual cities and states are taking it on themselves to shut down because there has been no federal mandate
- From Monday night, NY, NJ and CT will close bars, restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and casinos from 8pm
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
The New Jersey Health Commissioner made a somber plea to the public on Monday to look after one another and try to maintain a sense of community as the reality that millions of Americans will have to self-isolate as a result of coronavirus set in.
Judith Persichilli appeared at a press conference with Governor Phil. Murphy where he explained the state’s new strict measures to try to stunt the virus.
As of tonight, there will be an 8pm curfew in New Jersey when no one should leave home unless it’s for ‘essential travel’.
Those terms have not been precisely defined but they apply to doctors’ trips, trips to the grocery store and work for those who can’t avoid it.
It came as New York and Connecticut implemented an 8pm shutdown of bars, restaurants, movie theaters and casinos. There are now 4,000 cases of coronavirus in the US and 74 people have died.
At the press conference, Persichilli tried to soothe some of the fast spreading fear among Americans.
Judith Persichilli appeared at a press conference with Governor Phil. Murphy where he explained the state’s new strict measures to try to stunt the virus
‘Life as he know it has changed…these developments are causing fear and concern.
‘These aggressive social distancing steps are not designed to scare you.
‘They are intended to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
‘We expect it can be slowed if we act now and if we act together.
‘Each of us must take personal responsibility for breaking the cycle of this outbreak in our communities.
‘It is essential that we as guardians of the public health and safety take all steps to necessary to flatten the curve and minimize the risk to all residents of New Jersey.
‘That will help stop the spread of the disease,’ she said.
She went on to sympathize with how daunting the reality was.
‘We do know this will cause significant disruption in your daily lives. We know that you’re worried about being exposed. About the loss of income that may be associated with staying at home.
There are now more than 4200 cases of the virus in America and 74 people have died
‘We know that you might feel isolated. We are by nature, social individuals.
‘Especially in times of crisis. We get solace by gathering and being with one another.
‘So reach out. Talk to your family and friends, especially the elderly or those with disabilities.
‘Maintain, as best you can, a real sense of community. Check in daily with each other.
‘Technology today supports more interaction than we have had in the past. Use FaceTime or just a phone call to stay connected. Keep some form of daily structure that will lessen any anxiety or depression you may feel.
‘Stick to a routine such as having regular meal times, bed times and exercising.
‘Take care of yourselves,’ she said.
There are growing fears over how the country’s hospitals are going to cope with the surge in people who will soon need intensive care.
President Trump said at a press conference on Monday afternoon that the current crisis would likely last until July or August.
In a single day, the Dow dropped 3,000 points – its largest point drop ever – and nearly wiped out all of the gains Trump has made throughout his presidency.
People are terrified of not being able to pay rent because service-based industries are taking such an astronomical hit, and there is yet to be a clear answer on how the government will solve their needs.