President Donald Trump is weighing travel restrictions for people trying to visit places where the CCP virus is spreading.
Some states have issued limitations on travelers from other states, particularly against New York and surrounding states. New York has the most cases and deaths from the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.
Emerging in China last year, the virus has since spread to countries around the world. It causes COVID-19, a disease that proves deadly in a small percentage of patients.
Asked on Wednesday if his administration is considering travel restrictions, Trump said officials were.
“Were looking at it very strongly,” Trump said.
“Were looking at the whole thing. Were now in a position that we want to do that—we have to do that.”
Officials are weighing the impact on the airline industry and how difficult it would be to restart airline travel if its curbed.
“To start these airlines and to start this whole thing over again is very tough,” Trump said.
There are flights still carrying passengers to and from New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, and other states with a high number of cases.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Thursday morning that officials look at domestic travel restrictions “literally every day.”
“It really depends on what city youre talking about and from where you are coming. So this is something that youre absolutely correct is on the table and is discussed,” he said during an appearance on “CBS This Morning.”
Governors Take Action
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said last month that “thousands” of New Yorkers flew to Florida after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a stay-at-home order. Florida announced it would hold travelers from the New York area in a mandatory two-week quarantine, prompting other states, including Texas, to implement similar measures.
Rhode Island implemented the strictest measures, deploying National Guard troops to bus and train stations to intercept passengers from New York as police officers monitored arriving vehicles for New York license plates, leading to a lawsuit threat from Cuomo.
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo then broadened the order to apply to all travelers arriving from other states.
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