New Jersey imposes a new travel advisory in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19. Gov. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday that people who travel out of state for the Thanksgiving holiday should voluntarily self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving.
PennLive reported that Immediate neighbors New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware are exempt from this advisory.
A 14-day quarantine at your home or a hotel is recommended if you do travel. Additional information about new travel precautions will be announced in the coming days.
Statewide COVID-19 cases had a dramatic increase over the past few weeks. The New York Times reported that 4,049 new COVID-19 cases were reported Wednesday and an overall increase in cases of 55% over the past two weeks.
The travel advisory is the latest effort from government officials to limit travel during the holiday to help curb the spread of Coronavirus.
Thanksgiving holiday has a special character this year because of the pandemic. Health officials have been urging Americans across the country to spend at home instead of traveling. They have asked everyone to stay home and celebrate with the household members.
You can read: Pennsylvania officials send first COVID-19 alert message to residents
Gov.Murphy tweeted. “I know it’s difficult and heartbreaking to break with tradition, but small gatherings this Thanksgiving are the best way to protect your loved ones and ensure we can gather safely in the years to come.”
Murphy urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to and from the state, stating self-quarantining is not mandatory, but “compliance is expected.”
Alarming rate
“As COVID-19 cases continue to rise at an alarming rate throughout our nation, New Jersey will no longer utilize previously outline metrics to inform its travel advisory,” Murphy said in the statement. “Given the increased risk of spreading COVID-19 for both residents who travel outside the state and for visitors into the state, New Jersey continues to strongly discourage all non-essential interstate travel at this time.”
The travel advisory was issued as New Jersey announced 50 more COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday, and said hospitalization rose for the 26th consecutive day.