Top health official stokes coronavirus panic, claims everyone will contract COVID-19

New Jersey's top health official believes that no one is safe from coronavirus.

State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli told NJ.com that everyone will contract the rapidly spreading virus.

"I'm definitely going to get it. We all are," Persichilli said. "I'm just waiting."

The 71-year-old Persichilli is a member of the age demographic that is increasingly more susceptible to hospitalization or death after contracting COVID-19. However, she said that she will likely only experience a mild form of the virus.

The comments are particularly alarming because Persichilli is helping manage the Garden State's COVID-19 response and has become a visible leader alongside Gov. Phil Murphy (D).

New Jersey has reported more than 1,300 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Saturday afternoon, along with 16 deaths.

Interview with NJ Health Commissioner amidst coronaviruswww.youtube.com

Persichilli is not the first top state health official to make startling public comments.

Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton claimed earlier in the month that more than 100,000 Ohioans had likely already contracted coronavirus. However, Acton later said she was just "guesstimating" when she revealed the number at a press briefing.