In Governor Andrew Cuomo’s eyes, 31 states haven’t “behaved” very well during the coronavirus pandemic.

What You Need To Know

  • State troopers are not monitoring "travel advisory states" license plates
  • New York State Thruway Authority says they are not writing down licenses plates from people going in and out of travel advisory states
  • Currently, most WNY counties have at least 100 people in precautionary quarantine due to COVID-19 “hot spot” travel
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Texas, Ohio, California, and the rest currently have a COVID-19 positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 people, over a seven-day rolling average.

"Or 10 percent ... must quarantine for 14 days," added Cuomo in a previous COVID-19 press briefing.

That mandatory quarantine applies to everyone traveling to and from New York state for more than 24 hours.

If someone doesn’t, New York can fine them $2,000 — and remember: they have to fill out a travel form.

So how does the state monitoring people traveling to and from “COVID-19 hot spot” states?

"In terms of specifically looking or targeting plates from out of state, we aren’t doing that," said William Duffy, New York State Police – Albany director.

According to the New York State Police, officials from the Department of Health are at state airports, collecting forms, and confirming travelers’ quarantine plans.

One big question: how does the state monitor traveling by car?

"A trooper couldn’t see a vehicle from Florida and pull them over to see if they’re in quarantine. That’s not a lawful traffic stop," Duffy explained.

The New York State Thruway Authority also tells Spectrum News they are not writing down licenses plates from people going in and out of travel advisory states.

It’s all up to the local health departments — or people, deciding to be honest.

“I think the majority of those are self-reports," added Dr. Kevin Watkins, public health director for Cattaraugus County.

Dr. Watkins says right now, Cattaraugus County has 101 people in precautionary quarantine for traveling to hot spot states.

If someone thinks they got away with traveling: don't be so sure.

"We are getting some complaints from community residents about those who somehow slip under the radar and as long as they give us enough identifying info, then we will reach out to those residents and remind them to quarantine and we do place them under precautionary quarantine as well," said Watkins.

As of late July, most Western New York counties have at least 100 people in precautionary quarantine due to COVID-19 hot spot travel.

As for Gov. Cuomo’s travel advisory list, states can be added and removed. Just make sure to look at the list before making any travel plans.