U.S. states mandate quarantines, set up checkpoints to limit inter-state travel

New York, March 30 (RHC)-- In the U.S., some some states are taking their own measures to stop new cases of the coronavirus from traveling across state lines.  Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced she will will require all out-of-state visitors to self-quarantine when entering Rhode Island.  Earlier, she initially applied the order to just New Yorkers.

Florida recently unveiled new measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus -- after coming under strong criticism for not shutting down beaches during spring break -- including an interstate highway checkpoint and requirements that travelers from New York and New Orleans self-quarantine for two weeks.  Florida said it is deploying National Guard members to intercept travelers from the New York City area at airports.  Governor Ron DeSantis also said the state would suspend vacation rentals for two weeks.

In other news from Florida, a reporter for the Miami Herald and the Tampa Bay Times says DeSantis blocked her from entering a press briefing, after she requested the office allow for social distancing and video press briefings to protect journalists.