A spokesman for Murphy's office added in a statement to ABC News the governor \"has made a commitment to ensure that timely, fact-driven information related to the State's ongoing response efforts is readily accessible to New Jerseyans.\"

Gov. Cuomo, who in the past called some of the gatherings in the state \"stupid,\" has also repeatedly urged New Yorkers to remain vigilant while at the same time shutting down establishments that violate state reopening guidelines. Rich Azzopardi, a spokesman for Cuomo, told ABC News his office is working to get the message across.

\"PHOTO:
Jeenah Moon/Getty Images
PHOTO: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during the daily media briefing at the Office of the Governor of the State of New York, July 23, 2020.
>

\"We're moving heaven and earth to continue this momentum with ad campaigns, constant messaging through social and earned media and tackling the places where we've seen clusters in other states -- large indoor areas, crowded bars, gyms, etc,\" he said in a statement.

The best way forward

Earl warned that leaders have to watch their words carefully as the public continues to gauge their risk. She noted that numerous psychological studies have proven that tactics that involve invoking fear or shaming are worse for people in the long term.

\"If you engage in a behavior because you're afraid, the minute you're not afraid is when you re-engage in the behavior,\" she said.

Earl suggested that leaders should focus on explaining to the public the benefits of increased social distancing and mask wear.

\"Help people understand the actions you want to take,\" she recommended. \"It will change their attitudes about engaging in the risky behavior or not.\"

What to know about Coronavirus:

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