The state has unveiled new requirements to prevent coronavirus outbreaks at nursing homes and long-term care facilities after nearly 7,000 residents died from the virus.

Those homes are being ordered to plan to test every staff member and will be given federal funding to do it.

Gov. Phil Murphy also vigorously defended his administration's handling of the pandemic inside nursing homes.

Former Gov. Chris Christie criticized a Health Department policy that said nursing homes could not turn away residents who had tested positive for COVID-19 but did not need hospital care. Facilities were supposed to separate residents and staff who had tested positive from other residents.

"Whether it's Gov. Christie or any other smart aleck who says it was one thing when it was another give us a break," said Murphy. "There will be a full review of every step we have taken but the directives about COVID-positive patients or residents being reintroduced to facilities was black and white crystal clear and if folks violated it they will pay a price."

There will be $25 million set aside to begin the universal testing program. Requirements are also being set up that will eventually allow families to visit loved ones in those facilities.

For more on Monday's briefing, click here.

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