There is much speculation that New Jersey is about to enter into another lockdown as new cases of COVID-19 are averaging more than 3,000 a day.  That has prompted negative social media posts and even a number of public protests.

“We got protested over last weekend,” Gov. Phil Murphy said today.

At the same time, Murphy used his regular briefing to say rumors a total lockdown is imminent “are just that.”

There are reasons for his view. One has to be political, although Murphy is unlikely to admit as much.

On the substantive side, the governor said things have changed from the spring when there was very much a total lockdown and a “stay at home” order.

There are many more testing capabilities today, which allows health officials to better track the virus. Additionally, personal protection equipment is more available now than it was in the spring and a vaccine – more than one in fact – is on the horizon.

But there are still lingering problems with contact tracing.

The system depends on people revealing their recent activities and almost 70 percent of those contacted have been refusing to cooperate.

The governor said the anti-lockdown crowd may have something to do with this, but not all that much. As he has done previously, Murphy speculated that people may not want to “rat” out their friends or relatives by revealing a teen party that may have included drinking.

Murphy has said repeatedly that underage drinking is not the point of contact tracing, but it may not be getting through. Of course, there also is an inclination of some not to cooperate with the government.

The governor often praises how well most New Jerseyans have done with mask-wearing and social distancing, but the unwillingness to cooperate with contact tracers is an important exception.

After all, the simple goal of contact tracing is to “trace” the steps of infected people and urge those in contact with them to quarantine, thus curtailing the spread.

It will be interesting to see if the state considers any legal action against those who tell contact tracers to take a hike. That would get their attention.

Murphy today did announce two additional restrictions that are bound to be condemned by some on the right.

Beginning Dec. 7, next Monday, outdoor gatherings will be limited to 25.

And beginning this Saturday,  youth, high school and adult indoor sports will be suspended until early January.

Hockey seems to be the chief culprit. The governor said outbreaks tied to youth hockey have led to about 100 cases of the virus. This, of course, also delays the start of the high school basketball season.

The governor was a bit apologetic, saying:

“I’m a huge sports fan and all of our kids play sports.”