New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says deputies will visit travelers from the U.K. at their homes or hotels to ensure compliance of quarantine orders amid fears of a new mutant coronavirus strain reported abroad, reports 1010Wins.
Anyone found to be in violation of the travel order could face a $1,000 fine per day.
“We cannot take chances with anyone who travels, particularly folks traveling in from the U.K.,” de Blasio said Wednesday in announcing the drastic enforcement measures.
“We’re going to have sheriff deputies go to the home or the hotel of every single traveler coming in from the U.K.,” de Blasio said. “There’s going to be a follow-up, direct home or hotel visit from the sheriff's deputy to confirm that they are following the quarantine, or if they are not, they will be penalized.”
The new strain is spreading rapidly in England and raising international alarms — it now accounts for more than 60% of the cases in London and is said to be more contagious than previous strains.
Health officials have closed international travel to the U.K. as a result.
De Blasio said all international travelers entering New York will receive a Department of Health commissioner’s order by mail directing them to quarantine.
"It's going to be confirmed they got it and then people are going to be held responsible to make sure they're following the quarantine," the mayor said.
Those ordered to quarantine will be offered support services, including free hotel stays and food delivery, if necessary.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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