Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order on Monday that will require travelers from New York and New Jersey to self-isolate for 14 days upon entry into Florida.
DeSantis said in an address from his Tallahassee office that more than 100 such flights arrive daily in the state and he believes each contains at least one person infected with the new coronavirus.
He said he has been in contact with federal officials about curtailing such flights, but has not yet received a response. He said people will be screened when they arrived and told they must self-quarantine. He said those travelers will not be allowed to stay with family or friends, because that is one way the virus is spread.
Speaking to reporters Monday morning, DeSantis said some areas of the state are doing a good job with social distancing but did call out people who are not following guidelines, such as large crowds at beaches.
California, New York and Illinois are among states to implement stay-at-home guidelines.
Florida is a popular destination for New Yorkers this time of year.