NJ Expands Coronavirus Travel Quarantine List To Biggest In Weeks

NEW JERSEY—Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday expanded the quarantine travel advisory list once again, adding four states. A total of 35 states are now included in the advisory, which demands travelers quarantine for two weeks after returning.

It was the biggest expansion since Aug. 18, when the list also included 35 states and territories.

Those traveling south will once again have to find a circuitous route in order to comply with the quarantine advisory, since Delaware and Maryland have been added back to the list. Indeed, traveling anywhere in the western part of the US will be difficult without having to isolate upon return (see list of states below).

The updated advisory includes four additional states — Delaware, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia — with Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands removed from the list, bringing the total to 35 states and no territories.

The travel advisory is issued for states with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a state with a 10 percent or higher positive rate over a 7-day rolling average.

Anyone returning from the designated states should self-quarantine at their home, hotel or other temporary lodging, Murphy said, and only leave for medical care or essential items.

New Jersey reported 191,960, total coronavirus cases and 14,165 confirmed deaths since the pandemic began. Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy reopened gyms, theaters and indoor dining this past week, and many schools are also reopening to in-person instruction this week. Murphy, as a result, cautioned against surrendering the progress that has been made in fighting the virus over the past few months. Read more: NJ Prepares For Possible Second Coronavirus Wave As School Starts

“By practicing good citizenship and complying with our travel advisory, native New Jerseyans and visitors alike can help slow the spread of this virus and save lives,” said Murphy. “It remains critically important for anyone arriving to New Jersey from these 35 states and territories to get tested for COVID-19 and self-quarantine for 14 days.”

Here is the latest list:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• California
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Guam
• Hawaii
• Iowa
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• Montana
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• Oklahoma
• Ohio
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

Travelers and those residents who are returning from impacted states should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodging. Individuals should leave the place of self-quarantine only to seek medical care/treatment or to obtain food and other essential items.

It is expected that individuals will follow the public health advisory to self-quarantine. The list of states will be updated on a rolling basis and is accessible

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.