New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday that travelers from the United Kingdom can expect home visits from police officers to enforce a quarantine order. Anyone deemed in violation of the order will face $1,000 fines for each day of non-compliance.
The quarantine is ostensibly protection against new mutations of the coronavirus found in the UK. All travelers to the city will face quarantine orders and be subjected to fines, but those coming from the UK will be singled out for police spot checks.
“We’re going to have sheriff’s deputies go to the home or the hotel of every single traveler coming in from the UK,” de Blasio said. “We don’t want to, but if you don’t follow quarantine you’re endangering everyone else in the city right as we’re fighting the second wave.” Of course, de Blasio’s incompetence is largely responsible for the death rate in NYC from the first wave.
The U.S. isn’t the only country worried about UK travelers; about 50 others have suspended travel from the UK altogether.
On Monday, three airlines, Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways announced that all travelers on flights bound to New York City’s JFK International Airport will have to present a negative coronavirus test before boarding.
Welcome to phase two of the pandemic.