First Child In NJ Dies Due To Coronavirus

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey announced on Friday the first death of a child in the state because of coronavirus complications.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced that a 4-year-old child died, but he declined to provide further details, respecting the family's privacy.

The Murphy administration on Saturday, however, released some new details on the tragedy. Read more: More Details Released On NJ Child's Coronavirus-Linked Death

"That precious 4-year-old – unfathomable," Murphy said during a Friday news conference.

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said the child had an underlying medical condition that may have contributed to the death.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family," Persichilli said.

The announcement came as the number of New Jersey cases rose to 135,454 and deaths to 8,952. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy, speaking during a Friday news conference, announced a major expansion of New Jersey's coronavirus detection program by allowing people without symptoms to go for tests at two sites. Murphy made the announcement as he announced 1,985 new cases and 162 more deaths, again continuing a downward trend. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Begins Coronavirus Tests For Asymptomatic People