New Jersey had more than 150 new deaths from COVID-19, including a 4-year-old child, state officials said Friday.

But Gov. Phil Murphy said that the numbers “are absolutely going in the right direction” and must continue that trend as a big decision looms. That decision is when and how to reopen New Jersey beaches as summer approaches.

Murphy says the reopening will mirror the recent reopening of state parks in some respects.

The governor also announced that he is signing an executive order to create the Restart and Recovery Advisory Council. The group will bring together leaders from various industry, community and faith-based groups and institutions to advise officials on economic issues impacted by the pandemic.

The council will remain empaneled for as long as necessary to advise the state’s recovery, Murphy said.

For more information on today's briefing, click here.

Additional details below: