Thursday marks one year since the first COVID-19 case was reported in New Jersey.

James Cai, of Fort Lee, was eventually admitted to Hackensack University Medical Center, spending 19 days there. Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency just five days after Cai tested positive, with the virus spreading to five counties across New Jersey on March 10.

The next day, state officials announced the state’s first coronavirus death -- 69-year-old John Brennan, who had a number of underlying health issues. He went to his doctor just a week before with a fever and cough, but was admitted to the hospital just days later. Brennan was isolated and his condition quickly deteriorated. He died of a heart attack March 10.

The state began shutting down two days later. Public school districts began closing, and the Newark Archdioceses canceled Sunday Mass.

Gov. Murphy recommended against large gatherings, including concerts and sporting events. Jury trials were suspended until further notice.

By March 21, the governor ordered all non-essential businesses to close indefinitely, and a statewide curfew starting at 9 p.m.

By the end of the month, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic.