Here's Where New Jersey Ranks When It Comes To COVID Restrictions

NEW JERSEY — While many in the Garden State might feel like New Jersey is too restrictive when it comes to coronavirus regulations, a new study finds that the state actually ranks 34th out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The study, published by Wallethub, looked at over a dozen COVID-19 restrictions like mask usage requirements, bans on social gatherings and which industries have been allowed to remain open, and found that Washington had the 6th most restrictive regulations out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Each of the 14 categories is weighted differently, with New Jersey earning 39.01 points. New Jersey is up 13 spots from its ranking as of Oct. 6, 2020, when it was ranked 47th.

In New Jersey, there are currently limits of 10 people or fewer on social indoor gatherings, and up to 150 people or 25 percent for weddings, funerals, or memorial services.

Face coverings are required for indoor gatherings and outdoors when social distancing can’t be maintained. Schools across the state are open, offering a remote option with most using a hybrid of in-person and online learning.

The study also analyzes death rate vs. restrictions. New Jersey’s death rate ranks 29th, meaning it has a high death rate and many restrictions. It also has a high unemployment rank, putting it at 49th out of 50 states.

It was also ranked the 31st safest state, and 37th among states recovering from bad unemployment numbers due to the pandemic.

Per the study, the top ten most restrictive states are:

1. California
2. Virginia
3. Massachusetts
4. District of Columbia
5. New Mexico
6. Washington
7. Vermont
8. North Carolina
9. Hawaii
10. Illinois

California earned the top slot in part because they have a ban on all gatherings and have closed all non-essential businesses.
The ten least restricted states include:

1. Oklahoma
2. South Dakota
3. Iowa
4. Arkansas
5. Florida
6. Utah
7. Missouri
8. Wisconsin
9. Alaska
10. South Carolina

Oklahoma is just one of four states that has no mask requirements, and has reopened all non-essential businesses.

The study included expert testimony about the importance of states following guidelines set forth by their state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"Epidemiologists warn that if we open too early, the spread of COVID-19 will increase exponentially again," warns Kelsey Hample, professor of economics at Furman University. "This will renew the economic issues we are already facing. Being sick is costly. If a person cannot work, she might lose income or her firm may have to pay a wage without producing something of value."

Read the full WalletHub study here.