ABBOTT EXPANDS COVID-19 TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

  

Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order Sunday further restricting travel to Texas from certain areas of the United States in order to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The order mandates a 14-day quarantine for all non-essential drivers coming to Texas from any location in Louisiana.  The self-quarantine procedure will mirror the process outlined in the Governor’s previous executive order requiring mandatory self-quarantine for air travelers from New Orleans and the New York Tri-State Area including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

In addition, travelers flying into Texas from Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Miami, California, Louisiana, and Washington state must also self-quarantine.

People coming into Texas from those designated areas will use a form from DPS to designate their quarantine location.  DPS special agents will perform unannounced visits to quarantine locations to verify compliance.

Failure to comply with the order is considered a criminal offense punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to 180 days in jail, or both.

Abbott also issued a second executive order prohibiting the early release of dangerous felons from jails and prisons.  The Governor said the order comes in response to concerns of the release or potential release of those considered a danger to society in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 within jails and prisons.