Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Friday announced that he is requiring those arriving from Louisiana to self-quarantine, similar to an order he established last week requiring people from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to do the same. Health care officials in Florida are worried that a number of people will flee New Orleans as more positive Wuhan coronavirus cases are reported. They believe that as the positive numbers in Louisiana rise, people will head to the Sunshine State.
To make sure Louisianans are following DeSantis' orders to prevent the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus, the governor has established checkpoints between the Gulf Coast and the Florida Panhandle, including along I-10. The Florida Highway Patrol, along with local sheriffs deputies, will screen cars making their way from the Pelican State.
“There’ll probably be a diversion for folks with certain license plates,” DeSantis said during Friday's press conference, WTXL-TV reported.
According to NOLA.com, those who arrive in Florida must self-quarantine for two weeks. If they fail to do so, they can face a misdemeanor conviction and 60 days in jail.
"New Orleans is having a lot of problems — they may not be quite as widespread as New York City. There was a concern from the Panhandle that this could impact them. They are working hard to keep their rates low and we don't want to add any problems to them," DeSantis said.
“All we’re trying to do is keep our residents here safe,” the governor said. “If they’re telling you to shelter in place, then do that. But don’t come here, because we’re trying to protect our folks.”
Under the order, rental companies, like Airbnb and VRBO, are barred from renting out houses or rooms to people. The order, however, doesn't impact hotels and motels, WJXT-TV reported.