Gov. Phil Murphy has extended the statewide public health emergency from COVID-19 for another month.

The emergency has been in place since March, and allows Murphy to govern through executive orders, while in many ways, keeping state lawmakers on the sideline. It’s the ninth time he’s extended the order.

Gov. Murphy says, "Despite the hope that is on the horizon, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. We continue to utilize all resources available and will need the ability to do so as we battle this virus through the second wave that has enveloped our nation and our state."

A public health emergency would expire if it's not renewed after 30 days.

The Murphy administration reported almost 4,000 cases Sunday, with 29 deaths.

The rate of transmission is down slightly.

The number of people in the hospital is up to more than a dozen. The number of intensive care patients is down to 20.

Ventilator use is slightly up.