Gov. Phil Murphy says that eight more states now meet the metrics under New Jersey’s COVID-19 travel advisory, bringing the total to 16.
Murphy said Tuesday that visitors to the state from California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and Tennessee should self-quarantine for two weeks. Those states join Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah.
“These states with a high positivity spot test rate higher than 10% or a new number of cases at 10 per 100,000,” Murphy said.
New York and Connecticut also hold the same travel advisory.
The governor said that travelers and residents entering New Jersey form one of those states should isolate at their hotels or homes, only leaving for medical care or essential items. But there is some question about how the quarantine will be enforced. Murphy said that compliance is “urged” but not mandatory.
Kiersten Dentino came to New Jersey from South Carolina for her grandmother’s funeral.
“I definitely wanted to get out here, but how are they going to regulate that? I have to go back to work, so how’s that going to work?” she asks.
Details on the enforcement are limited. The advisory states that compliance is “expected.” Billboards are up around the state to inform visitors and hotels are spreading the message during booking and check-in. But the advisory seems to mostly rely on the honor system.
Dulcie Tackett is visiting from Florida. She says that she has no problem quarantining at her family's home in Rumson. She says that she'd rather be stuck inside surrounded by loved ones.
“It’s difficult. We all have masks. I think we’re good,” she says.
Murphy also said that he wants anyone coming to New Jersey from the 16 states to take a COVID-19 test soon after they arrive, as well as quarantining for 14 days.
The advisory has some exceptions for essential workers and some business travel. It also does not apply to people just traveling through the state. Travelers from areas with rising COVID-19 cases are asked to postpone their travels if they can’t or won’t self-quarantine.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.