UPDATE: Louisiana State Police say the Texas Department of Public Safety began using checkpoints at the Texas/Louisiana state line to stop and screen Louisiana drivers entering Texas. They will then be required to self-quarantine for 14 days or the length of their stay, whichever is shorter.
Texas Officials Begin COVID-19 CheckpointsOn Sunday, April 5, 2020, checkpoints and screening of vehicles by the @TxDPS began on all roadways entering Texas from Louisiana. Motorists should use caution and remain alert when traveling west into Texas. https://t.co/oHAQzlpAuw pic.twitter.com/7tPw7avKTV
— LA State Police (@LAStatePolice)
April 5, 2020 Below is the original story post:
Texas is following other neighboring Louisiana states by forcing Louisiana drivers entering Texas, to self-quarantine.
In a spokesperson email to WWL First News, the Texas Department of Public Safety says it will be enforcing two of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Orders relating to non-commercial drivers traveling into the state of Texas.
Two new Executive Orders were issued: mandating a 14-day quarantine for road travelers arriving in Texas from Louisiana; relating to the release of individuals in county and municipal detention. pic.twitter.com/9hzewriigI
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott)
March 29, 2020 The email also says, “The (Texas) department will enforce the Executive Order regarding the obligation of individuals entering the state of Texas through roadways from Louisiana to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days. A covered person under the mandated quarantines shall remain in the designated quarantine location for a period of 14 days or the duration of the person’s presence in Texas, whichever is shorter.”
Related: La Drivers, prepare to give-up personal information when entering Florida
It continues, “A violation of the orders is subject to criminal penalties, and while the department will not discuss its operational plans regarding enforcement, we encourage all individuals to abide by all the measures that the Governor has enacted to mitigate the consequences of the current public health disaster.”Texas DPS refused to discuss how the department will be enforcing the governor’s orders but says they will not set up checkpoints at the Texas/Louisiana state line. However, they do say DPS patrol officers will be heavily patrolling the areas along I-10 at the state line.
