COVID-19 deaths reach 44 in NJ; Cherry Hill now has 18 confirmed cases.

The number of both confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths in New Jersey continued to rise Tuesday, as the state is second only to New York State in the number of cases nationally.

"We fully expect the number of positive tests...will go up dramatically," Gov. Phil Murphy said at his afternoon briefing, noting that with more testing more coronavirus cases will be discovered.

And restrictions on the public will not have an immediately noticeable effect. "It takes time for us to see the impact of social distancing," he said, saying stricter social gathering rules just went into effect on Saturday. Symptoms can take two to 14 days to appear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the cumulative number of confirmed cases statewide totaled 3,675, up from 2,844 the day before. The number of known coronavirus-related deaths now stands at 44, up 17 from Monday.

MORE: New Jersey's CVID-19 information website.

The governor spoke of the "knuckleheads" who are ignoring the state restrictions and said the number of arrests will increase. One shopper in Manalapan, Monmouth County, got into a dispute with a Wegmans employee, coughed on the woman and told her that he has coronavirus, Murphy said. The man was arrested for making terroristic threats, harassment and obstruction.

MORE: Check out other stories about South Jersey on 70and73.com.

Murphy emphasized the state is trying to compile more data on the total number of tests given and also has begun work on modeling the spread and growth of the virus. Judith Persichilli, the state health commissioner, said that about 27% of the 12,000 tests performed at seven labs sending in results showed confirmed cases. 

The governor also formally announced that standardized testing in schools scheduled in April had been cancelled because testing from home is not feasible. He added the elimination of testing will not have an impact on the graduation requirements of students.

Late Tuesday, Gov. Murphy added these retail businesses as essential and permitted to operate during normal business hours:

• Mobile phone retail and repair shops;

• Bicycle shops, but only to provide service and repair;

• Livestock feed stores;

• Nurseries and garden centers;

• Farming equipment stores.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump speaking on a Fox News program, said he would like the nation to lift restrictions by Easter (April 12).

Our people want to return to work. They will practice Social Distancing and all else, and Seniors will be watched over protectively & lovingly. We can do two things together. THE CURE CANNOT BE WORSE (by far) THAN THE PROBLEM! Congress MUST ACT NOW. We will come back strong!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 24, 2020