positive tests.


New Jersey health officials reported probable coronavirus deaths for the first time on Thursday bringing the statewide total to 14,872 fatalities with more than 170,000 positive tests since the outbreak began.

The updated death toll includes 1,854 deaths deemed likely from COVID-19, though not confirmed by a test. The state reported 26 new confirmed deaths, pushing the confirmed fatality number to 13,018. The state also reported 406 new positive tests.


“We’re not the only state which has been grappling with how best to draw a complete picture of COVID-19?s impacts,” Gov. Phil Murphy said during his coronavirus update in Trenton. “And, in one day, we are significantly adding to the already weighty toll this pandemic has had on our state, and on so many families. And, as I noted, we report this out of nothing else than a solemn sense of duty.”

The probable deaths fall into three categories: a fatality that involved a less specific coronavirus test, a review of death certificates and deaths during known outbreaks where a person had coronavirus symptoms, particularly in settings like long-term care facilities. The long-term care facilities accounted for just under one-third of the new probable deaths reported Thursday, according to Dr. Edward Lifshitz, medical director for the state Department of Health.

https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/06/nj-reports-probable-coronavirus-deaths-for-1st-time-death-toll-now-at-14872-with-170k-total-positive-tests.html

They have backed most of those deaths back out of the data. (CDC guidelines are that they should be included)

NJ is now showing a total of 13,018 total deaths - with only 341 new ones today. (As opposed to the total reported a few minutes ago of 14,872 deaths.)