COVID-19: Governor Slightly Reduces Travel Quarantine Requirement for Visits to U.S. States

Governor Phil Murphy has announced that residents traveling to New Jersey, whether visiting or returning home, from 32 states with high COVID-19 rates must self quarantine for 14 days when they enter New Jersey. That is a slight reduction from a high of 36 states in effect one month ago.

The Governor said quarantining is important to “keep the curve down” in New Jersey, which has been able to reduce the number of new infections and death due to COVID-19.

To offer some guidance to residents, here are Frequently Asked Questions for travelers, as provided by the state.

What is the 14-day quarantine travel advisory and how will it work?

Individuals traveling to or returning to New Jersey from states with increasing rates of COVID-19 are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days. This includes travel by train, bus, car, plane and any other method of transportation.

How are impacted states being identified?

The quarantine travel advisory applies to states identified as having a positive COVID-19 test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents.

What does it mean to quarantine?

Quarantined people may stay at home or another location. If you are quarantined and you become ill, you can seek medical treatment from a healthcare provider.

Am I expected to quarantine in a hotel? Is there somewhere I should quarantine?
Travelers and residents who are returning from impacted states should self-quarantine at home, or a hotel or other temporary lodging. Individuals should leave the place of self-quarantine only to seek medical care or to obtain food and other essential items.

If I am from one of the impacted states, can I just get a diagnostic test and not self-quarantine?

You may choose to get a diagnostic/virus test, but you must still self-quarantine for 14 days. If you test negative, you are still advised to self-quarantine for 14 days because you remain in the incubation period.

How will the self-quarantine be enforced?
The self-quarantine is voluntary, but compliance is expected. It is expected that individuals will follow the recommendation to self-quarantine.

I am from an impacted state and rented a shore house for a week. What should I do?
You may wish to cancel your reservation and visit at a later date. Contact your travel agent or real estate agent to inquire about any potential cancelation and/or refund.

Are there support services for individuals who are required to self-quarantine?
Contact your local health department or 211 if you need additional information about available support services for self-quarantine.

Is anyone exempt from the travel advisory?
Yes. Individuals who are traveling to New Jersey from impacted states for business are exempted from the application of the travel advisory.

Does the quarantine recommendation also extend to passengers flying to New Jersey on connecting flights that stop in impacted states before arriving in New Jersey?
No. Examples of brief passage include but are not limited to: stopping at rest stops for vehicles, buses, and/or trains; or layovers for air travel, bus travel, or train travel.