Governor Abbott issued another executive order, requiring certain travelers to self-quarantine, in a press conference on Thursday.
His order said that those traveling to Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Orleans must self-quarantine for 14 days or for their entire stay - whichever is shorter.
"The State of Texas continues to act upon the recommendations of top state, federal, and local health experts as we implement a comprehensive strategy to limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. "The New York Tri-State Area and the City of New Orleans have become major centers of this pandemic, and it is vital that we take necessary precautions to prevent additional exposure that could originate from people traveling from these areas to Texas. This Executive Order is another important measure we are taking to protect the health and safety of Texans, and we will continue to take any action necessary to mitigate exposure to COVID-19 in our state."
During this quarantine, they must designate a location for their quarantine, and they cannot have visitors in or out.
Those entering Texas as their final destination from the designated areas will use a form from DPS to designate their quarantine location.
DPS special agents will conduct unannounced visits to designated quarantine locations to verify compliance. Failure to comply with this order is considered a criminal offense that is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to 180 days in jail, or both.
He said as for his other executive orders, 3,000 beds have become available. There are 1,700 beds available just in Dallas, he said.
The governor also mentioned that the president approved his request to declare a major disaster in Texas.
During the meeting, he said that in the last 6 days, the state has tested more than 21,000 people.
"Less than 10 percent of people that are tested for COVID-19 test positive," the governor said.
At the time of the press conference, 18 coronavirus-related deaths have been reported across the state. He said that they have about 100 COVID-19 patients in hospitals.