Last Updated on March 28, 2020 – 11:52 AM CDT
The Texas Department of Public Safety released the following statement regarding Governor Abbott’s Executive order on March 26th. The order requires certain travelers who are making Texas their final destination to self-quarantine for 14 days.
AUSTIN – In response to Governor Abbott’s Executive Order, DPS has added the required travel form and terms of self-quarantine to their website for individuals traveling to Texas — with Texas being their final destination — through an airport from the Tri-State Area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as from the city of New Orleans, to complete as part of the mandated self-quarantine outlined in the Executive Order. DPS is tasked with enforcing this Executive Order, which takes effect statewide at noon on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
Required Travel Form
As part of the Executive Order enforcement, DPS Troopers will be stationed at Texas airports to screen passengers traveling from the designated quarantine areas, beginning Saturday, March 28. Travelers who are subject to the self-quarantine are required to complete this form to provide DPS with identifying information, including their full name, date of birth, home address, driver license/passport information and quarantine location.
Passengers can access the form on our website prior to traveling, which gives them the opportunity to complete it before disembarking the aircraft. Those who do not have a completed form will be provided one upon exiting the plane.
Mandatory Terms of Self-Quarantine
Pursuant to Governor Abbott’s Executive Order, individuals must comply with the Mandatory Terms of Self-Quarantine. As part of the department’s efforts to ensure compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order, DPS Special Agents will conduct unannounced visits at the quarantine locations listed on the forms completed by travelers.
Enforcement Action
DPS anticipates wide compliance with Governor Abbott’s Executive Order. However, it is important to note that under Texas Government Code § 418.173, failure to comply with these mandatory terms is a criminal offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, confinement in jail for up to 180 days, or both. DPS will take the appropriate enforcement action against anyone who fails to comply with the Executive Order.
Additional Information
DPS is working with airports, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the airline industry to provide information and help ensure compliance with the orders.
Travel information, including the required form, for those impacted by the self-quarantine can be found online atwww.dps.texas.gov/COVIDtravel.