Governor: NJ Quarantine Rules Have NOT Changed

Please see below the statement from Governor’s Office spokesman Kevin Roberts:

“New Jersey is not changing its quarantine protocol.   The protocol is clear that a New Jersey resident with no symptoms, but who has come into contact with someone with Ebola, such as a health care provider, would be subject to a mandatory quarantine order and quarantined at home.  Non-residents would be transported to their homes if feasible and, if not, quarantined in New Jersey.”

As additional background, New Jersey has previously applied mandatory quarantines in an at-home setting for New Jersey residents, and has repeatedly stated that in-home quarantines would be used:

·         On October 10^th, in response to a violation of a voluntary quarantine agreement by an NBC News crew, the New Jersey Department of Health issued a Mandatory Quarantine Order through remainder of 21-day period (October 22nd) for the NBC Crew.  That mandatory quarantine required the crew members to stay in their homes.

·         Department of Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez: “Travelers who are New Jersey residents will quarantine in their own homes.” (Press Conference, 10/22/14)

·         “Those who are forcibly quarantined will be confined either to their homes or, if they live in other states, to some other place, most likely a medical facility, the governors said.” (Marilynn Marchione, “NY, NJ order Ebola quarantine for doctors, others,” Associated Press, 10/25/14)

·         NJ Department of Human Services (DHS) has arranged for the transportation of asymptomatic at-risk individuals to either a State temporary housing arrangement or an individual’s home, depending on whether the individual is a New Jersey resident or not. DHS is working to coordinate access to language translators for non-English speaking visitors. (New Jersey Press Release, 10/22/14)