New Jersey scrapping quarantine list as COVID cases surge

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TRENTON (WCBS 880) -- Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday announced that New Jersey is doing away with its quarantine list for people traveling to and from the state.

"As COVID-19 cases continue to rise at an alarming rate throughout our nation, New Jersey will no longer utilize previously outlined metrics to inform its travel advisory," the governor's office said in a statement.

New Jersey officials continue to discourage residents from traveling outside of the state, and is advising all visitors to quarantine wherever they plan to stay when arriving.

"Travelers and residents returning from any U.S. state or territory beyond the immediate region (New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware) should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodging for the CDC recommended period, which is currently 14 days," Murphy's office said.

The New Jersey Department of Health will issue additional information in the coming days regarding travel precautions.

The news came as new jersey reported 4,073 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday and 50 new fatalities - bringing the statewide death toll to 15,057.

Murphy stressed that New Jersey is fully experiencing its second wave of COVID cases and people should not get law with precautions.

NEW JERSEY #COVID19 UPDATE:

?4,073 new positive cases

?317,905 cumulative total cases

?50 new confirmed deaths

?15,057 total deaths

The numbers are rising. Protect yourself and your loved ones. Wear a mask. Social distance. Avoid large gatherings.https://t.co/JW1q8awGh7 pic.twitter.com/7peqWjHVCp

-- Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) November 25, 2020

"The numbers are rising. Protect yourself and your loved ones,' he wrote on Twitter. "Wear a mask. Social distance. Avoid large gatherings."

In late October, New York also scrapped its quarantine list and provided new COVID-19 testing guidelines for visiting/returning to the state.

Under New York's rule, people coming from out of state must have proof they've tested negative in the three days before their arrival. They also must quarantine for three days upon arrival and then take a second test on the fourth day.

If that test is also negative, then that person is released from quarantine. If the test is positive, then they must remain in quarantine.

Anyone who refuses to get a test must remain in quarantine for 14 days.

New Jersey has not said if it will be adopting the same test-out option.

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