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Coronavirus Update: New Jersey and New York Cases Grow as Health Officials say "Don't Panic"

Corona Virus
David Dee Delgado/Getty Images

There are at least 33 coronavirus cases in New York State. Governor Cuomo says that number is expected to rise but he’s urging people not to panic. 

Meanwhile, New Jersey has at least its third case of coronavirus … the first in South Jersey. The patient is a Camden County resident. Officials say the man in his 60s is currently hospitalized in stable condition.

Two other people who tested positive for coronavirus are quarantined in hospitals in Bergen County. Acting Governor Sheila Oliver says the state was ready. 

The state is sending samples from all three people to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm the results. Eleven other people are currently under investigation in New Jersey.

The state is preparing for the possibility of school closures related to the virus. It told districts it would allow them to close and offer home instruction to students … and that those days would count toward the 180-day school year requirement.

New Jersey is also cracking down on businesses that hike prices on goods in high demand because of the coronavirus. Authorities have already sent warnings to 10 companies. New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal says the state is aware of businesses jacking up prices on everything from surgical masks to hand sanitizer. Grewal says price gouging in order to profit on fear over the outbreak is illegal.

State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli ays the risk to the general public of contracting the illness remains low.

Doug Doyle has been News Director at WBGO since 1998 and has taken his department to new heights in coverage and recognition. Doug and his staff have received more than 250 awards from organizations like PRNDI (now PMJA), AP, New York Association of Black Journalists, Garden State Association of Black Journalists and the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists.