There’s a lot of bad news out there lately. If you’ve been following the news in New Jersey, you’re already well aware, so I’m not going to rehash any of the negativity. Today, I’m sharing some good news with you. New Jersey is one of five states to score an “A” in social distancing. Find before and after photos (and a video) below.
Stay-at-home orders have been put in place across the country but people in many states are not changing their behavior. Cell phone location data was used by a technology company called Unacast to determine how much people are traveling now, compared to how much they traveled before the Coronavirus outbreak.
Google Maps
Unacast has created a fascinating Social Distancing Scoreboard that highlights how travel has slowed in each state, helping to stop the spread and flatten the curve. New Jersey, New York, Washington D.C., Michigan, and Minnesota scored top marks! States at the bottom of the list include Wyoming, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Google Maps
You can search by state AND county, so I looked deeper into New Jersey’s stats. While we’re doing a great job of limiting non-essential travel across the board, Cumberland and Warren Counties both received “C” grades in social distancing. This is still better than much of the U.S.! Though both counties currently have fewer than 100 cases of Coronavirus, social distancing practices should still be followed. I want all New Jerseyans (and Americans, and people across the world) to be as safe as possible.
Mingomatic/YouTube
If you’re looking for additional evidence of the Garden State’s social distancing, you can check out the short video below by YouTube user Mingomatic of Downtown Jersey City. It focuses specifically on the once-bustling Newark Avenue, home to incredible bars and restaurants including The Ashford, Porta, Barcade, Skinner’s Loft, Pet Shop, The Archer, and personal favorites LITM and Downtown Yogurt (top your fro-yo with cookie dough and you’re in for a treat).
Mingomatic/YouTube
Google Maps
Mingomatic/YouTube
While there are some people out and about (many New Jerseyans still have to go to work, get groceries, and pick up takeout), the streets are pretty empty and many businesses are shuttered. This is sad but also inspiring. Staying home saves lives, so stay home for now. When this is all over, let’s show our local businesses lots of love! If you can’t afford to spend, share – spread the word. Speaking of sharing, you can share a favorite local business with us by filling out this short nomination form. You can also explore the social distancing scoreboard here.
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