NYC to Start Quarantine Checkpoints at Major Bridges, Tunnels

New York City will begin setting up quarantine checkpoints to screen incoming travelers.

CNBC reports that New York City will be setting up quarantine checkpoints at "key entry points" into the city. This is to screen travelers coming in from the 34 states that are currently on New York State's quarantine list. This means that if you travel into New York State from one of the states on this list, you must quarantine for two weeks. The point of the quarantine order is to stop travelers coming in from COVID-19 hotspots to stop the spread of the virus.

At these checkpoints, travelers will be told about the quarantine and that it is required. Some of the checkpoints will be at Penn Station and Port Authority Bus Terminal. It is unclear what bridges and tunnels checkpoints will be at. The checkpoint teams will check on travelers via calls and texts. CNBC reports that New York City has partnered with hotels, train, bus, and car rental companies to require anyone booking a stay in the city to fill out a travel form. This is so contract tracers can locate them and monitor people in isolation.

You can face a large fine if you travel into New York from one of the 34 states listed. There is a $2,000 fine for the first violation and $5,000 for the second. There's even a $10,000 fine if harm is caused.

If you've traveled recently, it's best to check out the quarantine list. If you have plans to travel, it's also good to look at the list. The full New York State quarantine list is here, as of August 6, 2020:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Puerto Rico
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

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