Governor orders self quarantining for incoming visitors from NYC & Tri-State Area

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
March 25, 2020

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order Monday directing all persons whose point of departure originates from outside the State of Florida in an area with substantial community spread, to include the New York Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey and New York), and entering the State of Florida through airports to isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of entry into the State of Florida or the duration of the person’s presence in the State of Florida, whichever is shorter. This Order took effect on March 24, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. This Order does not apply to persons employed by the airlines and those performing military, emergency or health response.

Enforcement of this Executive Order is left to local officials upon request from the Department of Health.  Any person who violates any isolation or quarantine directed by the Department of Health commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, which is punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 60 days, a fine not to exceed $500, or both.

According to Nassau County Department of Health Director Dr. Eugenia Ngo-Seidel, members of the National Guard are handing out cards with this information to incoming passengers from the tri-state area at Jacksonville International Airport.  Also, the Amelia Island Convention Visitors Bureau is providing this information to island resorts and hotels.  There is no notification provided to the county Health Department on individuals under the quarantine order.

According to County Manager Mike Mullin, there has been no guidance received yet from the FAA regarding the general aviation airport in Fernandina Beach.

To see the full text of the Executive Order and to watch Governor DeSantis’ press briefing yesterday, click here.  

2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Nancy Dickson
Nancy Dickson(@nancyjackathenshotmail-com)
4 years ago

No one among the entitled, wealthy folks flying in here (whether private plane or regular carrier) is going to pay an attention to this order. The plane traffic into our airport has increased dramatically in the past week (yes, we are under the approach).

Roberta Nataloni
Roberta Nataloni (@guest_56954)
4 years ago
Reply to  Nancy Dickson

You are absolutely right Nancy Dickson!!