Rep. Malinowski To Host Public Phone Call On Coronavirus

Congressman Tom Malinowski will host a public information Telephone Town Hall about the coronavirus from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

During the call Malinowski will be joined by state and local health officials to give updates on the COVID-19 response efforts, provide public health information, and will answer questions.

Residents in District 7, which includes Somerset, Union, Morris, Essex and Hunterdon counties, can RSVP for the call by clicking here.

On Monday, Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency and a public health emergency, effective immediately, to ramp up New Jersey's efforts to contain the spread of the new coronavirus. (See Related: NJ Gov. Murphy Declares State Of Emergency Because Of Coronavirus)

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Murphy declared the emergency soon after officials announced that the number of new coronavirus cases in New Jersey nearly doubled since Sunday. Five additional cases were identified on Monday; the state's overall number is now 11.

Among the five new cases was a 48-year-old from Berkeley Heights whose symptoms developed on March 1. The person was hospitalized at Overlook Medical Center in Summit. He had symptomatic friends from Italy, but they all tested negative.

"[Monday's] decision by Governor Murphy will allow our state to better contain the spread of COVID-19 and ensure that state and local agencies have the resources and authority they need to respond effectively," said Malinowski. "I'll keep doing all I can to ensure that the federal government gives us the support we need and the accurate information the public demands."

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