Amid the national turmoil on Wednesday, a newly issued California travel report received little attention.
Established by the California Department of Public Health, the guidance aims to further restrict residents’ movements. In addition, it includes the idea that “non-essential travelers from other states or countries are strongly discouraged from entering California.
“In the midst of the current outbreak of COVID-19,” says the text, “it is imperative that California take the necessary steps to stem the spread of COVID-19 and contain new sources of infection,”
The notice is called a “recommendation” and replaces the earlier, less stringent order issued in November.
It has three main points:
1. Except in connection with essential travel, Californians should avoid traveling to any part of the state more than 120 miles from their places of residence.
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2. Non-essential travelers from other states or countries are strongly discouraged from entering California.
3. All persons arriving and returning to California from other states or countries must be quarantined for 10 days after arrival, except for those involved in essential travel.
The health official’s order is in addition to the state stay order issued in late November, which implemented a statewide curfew and requires masks in all activities where individuals will be or may be in contact with non-family members.
California’s new orientation came when the state reported an almost record number of daily deaths, 583. They are just two fatalities below the historic record of 585 that the state suffered on December 31. It came when the country in general recorded its worst pandemic death toll of all time, at 3,856.
More broadly, on Thursday, California recorded 35,385 new cases and had its highest level of hospitalizations since the outbreak began last January.
The new measures are likely to have something to do with the expected flood of infections during travel and meetings during the holiday season. In comments made to NPR on Thursday, Dr. Anthony Fauci warned of a new outbreak.
“We saw [surges] follow most events that require travel and … have people, you know, understandably meeting in a social setting. Therefore, we believe that things will get worse as we enter January, ”said Fauci.