New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced Monday that the total number of coronavirus cases in the state surged by 3,347 on Monday, with more than three dozen new deaths blamed on the virus being reported.

At a press conference, the governor warned that the rates of infection would be even higher should New Jersey residents ignore social distancing orders.

"I shudder to think what these numbers would be if we hadn't taken the strong stance in terms of social distancing," he said, according to Patch.com.

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The total number of cases in the state now sits at more than 16,000, while nearly 200 deaths have been reported. A model generated by state health officials predicts that the number of cases in the state will double in six days should residents ignore orders to avoid public gatherings.

The model generated by state officials also estimates that the state could run out of hospital beds within days.

“This chart is the nightmare scenario we are desperately trying to avoid,” Murphy said, according to the Burlington County Times. “This is why it is absolutely necessary for everyone to stay in unless you need to go out.”

State officials have implemented a number of measures to attempt to control the disease's spread, including closing all nonessential businesses and issuing a statewide stay-at-home order.