More New Jerseyans have now died from the novel coronavirus than on Sept. 11, Gov. Phil Murphy said at a briefing Saturday.

The grim milestone comes about one month after the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in the Garden State.

There were 4,331 new positive cases in the state announced Saturday, for a total of 34,124. Murphy said there were 200 more deaths to report, for a state total of 846. The governor called the numbers "particularly sobering," noting that New Jersey has lost about 100 more residents than it did from the Sept. 11 attacks. 

"This pandemic is writing one of the greatest tragedies in state history. and just as we have committed to never forgetting those lost on 9/11, we must commit to never forgetting those we are losing to this pandemic," the governor said.

The state health commissioner says a "surge" in cases is underway. There were some volunteers being screened today in Secaucus as a field hospital there is set to open Monday; by mid-week, another will open in Edison. Atlantic City is expected to have one within 10 days.

By Saturday evening, six hospitals were fully diverting patients.

BRIEFING NOTES

-Governor says the Department of Labor and Workforce Development is getting crushed with requests during this time, but wants residents to understand the department is doing everything they can.

-Numbers:  4,331 new residents tested positive.  34,124 total.  200 more residents have passed away, state total now at 846 'precious lives lost.'  The governor calls the numbers 'particularly sobering.'  Says New Jersey has lost about 100 more residents than it did from the Sept. 11 attacks.  'God rest their souls' says the governor.

-Gov. Murphy understands how difficult this time is coming during Holy Week but urges all Catholics in the state to keep practicing social distancing. Consider it 'social solidarity,' people need to realize that by staying apart we are actually working together.  

-Governor says 'we still have a ways to go' and that this will not be an overnight or next week phenomenon.  

-Gov. Murphy urges people who need information on testing or may be exhibiting symptoms to go to https://covid19.nj.gov/testing.  

-Governor urges all residents to slow the spread and flatten the curve, that is everyday heroism.  

-Murphy says 'This is war. We are in a war.' Urges everyone to show courage, work together and to be there or each other. Says 'every single one of us' is a hero right now. 

-Governor turns news conference over to Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.  Commissioner Persichilli reiterates CDC recommendations about wearing a cloth covering over your face when out in public.  This is to help asymptomatic people from spreading the virus to others and should not be a replacement for social distancing. 

-Commissioner Persichilli stresses the need for volunteers and urges anyone who can volunteer to go to https://covid19.nj.gov/volunteer.

-Gov. Murphy emphasizes that the CDC guidelines are not medical-grade masks that are needed by health professionals and pleads with residents not to hoard or make a run on those items. 

-Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo talks about the crush of unemployment claims caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Says their number 1 priority is to streamline the process of taking calls and emails of residents.  Says they are working under 40-year-old mainframe systems.  Asaro-Angelo says they are increasing capacity to ensure residents get served.  He says they are adding phone lines and working to pinpoint bottlenecks in the process.  Website:  https://www.nj.gov/labor/aboutlwd/