HOUSTON, March 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. state of Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Thursday issued a 14-day self-quarantine order for anyone traveling to Texas through an airport from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or New Orleans.
During a news conference, Abbott said the executive order will be enforced by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Travelers from those areas will have to report their quarantine location to DPS, said the governor. The individuals will not be allowed to go out in public, and will only be allowed visits from doctors.
Those travelers will also receive visits from DPS to ensure they are complying with the order. Those who do not follow the order will be subject to a 1,000-U.S. dollars fine or 180 days in jail.
As of Thursday, there are about 1,420 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Texas and 18 people have died from the disease. According to Abbott, more than 21,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted across the state.
