NJ Gov: $2.8m funding for mental health programs

Gov. Phil Murphy has announced new federal funding for mental health programs in New Jersey amid the pandemic.

"This much needed funding will help expand access to counseling and other support services for our residents of every age," Murphy told reporters at a briefing in Trenton.

Murphy has repeatedly said his stay-at-home and business-closing orders are to save as many "blessed souls" as possible from dying of the coronavirus in New Jersey.

But state officials say they're also concerned about residents' mental health — including possible suicides — as the state remains under near-lockdown and sees a rising wave of unemployment.

New Jersey officials has signaled they will keep stay-at-home orders in place and only partially ease restrictions.

Murphy also urged residents of New Jersey to continue to with social distancing practices introduced to curb the spread of the coronavirus.