Expand / Collapse search
☰

NJ cites Katrina-era law to block some COVID-19 records

Published  May 17, 2020 10:39am EDT
Coronavirus
Associated Press

NJ officials give an update of new cases of coronavirus Thursday

NJ officials give an update on new cases of coronavirus during press conference Thursday.

TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration is citing a 2005 emergency powers law enacted after Hurricane Katrina to block some information about the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

FULL COVERAGE: CORONAVIRUS

The Associated Press and other news organizations around the state sought information under the state's open records law, but were denied because of the 2005 Public Health Powers Act, which says that reports and other records made during an emergency are not considered public.

Some of the denied records include reports from hospitals on their supplies and capacity. Such reports were required under an executive order signed by Murphy. 

In recent press conferences addressing the COVID-19 developments in New Jersey, many reporters have inquired about hospital staffing, capacity, and their ability to provide ample supplies to their workers.

Oftentimes, the health and government officials have been either unable to offer answers to these inquiries.

New Jersey's coronavirus case total rose to 145,089 with 10,249 related deaths as of Saturday. 

For the latest local news, sports and weather, download the FOX 29 News app.

DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.