N.J. governor issues new COVID-19 travel guidelines

Gov. Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Health on Monday issued new COVID-19 travel guidlines. The restrictions follow updated travel recommendations released by the Centers for Disease Control earlier this month.

“While the pandemic is not over, our vaccination program and updated CDC guidance have made it possible for vaccinated individuals to resume travel without quarantine,” Murphy said. “New Jersey residents should still exercise caution in traveling and follow all public health rules and regulations as the end of the pandemic comes into view.”

Given the increased risk of spreading COVID-19 for both residents who travel outside the state and for visitors into the state, New Jersey officials continue to strongly discourage unvaccinated individuals from engaging in non-essential interstate travel.

The CDC recommends that people defer travel until they are fully vaccinated. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks or more after receipt of the second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks or more after receipt of a single-dose vaccine. People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine and people who clinically recovered from COVID-19 in the past three months who are traveling domestically within the United States do not need to be tested for COVID-19 before or after travel to New Jersey, and do not need to self-quarantine upon return, officials said. The CDC still recommends that fully vaccinated people arriving in the United States from abroad be tested for COVID-19 three to five days after return. Unvaccinated 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 home, a hotel, or another temporary lodging.

“With the protection of COVID-19 vaccines, many New Jerseyans are eager to enjoy trips to visit families and friends they have missed over the past year,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “While traveling, individuals should continue to take COVID-19 precautions – wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, physically distancing, and washing hands frequently.”