Tri-State Area Issues Travel Advisory Requiring Quarantine for Those from High-Coronavirus States

Strategic Insights -

The New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut governments have issued a joint travel advisory requiring individuals arriving from states with high coronavirus rates to quarantine for 14 days. The advisory targets states with a 7-day rolling average of 10 or more positive tests per 100,000 residents or a 10% or higher positivity rate over the same period. As of Wednesday, the affected states include Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, and Texas. This move is a significant shift from just a few months ago, when the tri-state area was at the epicenter of the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • The tri-state area has seen a decline in new cases in the past week, but 26 states have reported an increase in cases compared to the previous week, with California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona experiencing particularly stark growth.
  • The travel advisory applies to anyone coming from a state with a 7-day rolling average of 10 or more positive tests per 100,000 residents or a 10% or higher positivity rate over the same period.
  • Each of the three states will be responsible for enforcing the quarantine, with health officials conducting aggressive public relations campaigns at airports and highways.
  • Those violating the quarantine could face fines, including $2,000 for the first violation, $5,000 for the second violation, and $10,000 if they cause harm.
  • The advisory does not apply to President Trump, who will visit his Bedminster golf club this weekend, due to the regular testing of those in close proximity to him.
  • Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey emphasized the importance of personal responsibility, stating that individuals should consider not just themselves but their families and communities.

Statistics:

  • 26 states have reported an increase in cases in the past week compared to the same period last week.
  • California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona experienced particularly stark growth in cases.
  • New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have seen a decline in new cases in the past week.
  • The tri-state area has taken aggressive measures to control the virus, including months of lockdown rules, widespread testing, and imperfect contact tracing.
  • 19 states have no requirements for residents to wear face masks, despite the lack of a vaccine and effective treatment for COVID-19.

Sources:

  • Announcement by the governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
  • Statement by President Donald Trump
  • CNN article citing New York Governor Andrew Cuomo
  • CNN article citing Dr. Anthony Fauci
  • CNN article citing Governor Phil Murphy
  • CNN article citing Dr. Richard Besser