Checkpoints and screening of vehicles by the Texas Department of Public Safety began on all roadways entering Texas from Louisiana, according to the Louisiana State Police.
The Louisiana State Police warned that checkpoints and screening of vehicles conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety related to the COVID-19 pandemic may result in traffic backups.
Motorists are being urged to exercise caution and remain alert for traffic congestion when traveling into Texas from Louisiana roadways.
Texas DPS - North Texas Region said troopers will set up roadway screening stations to gather required forms from road travelers along the border.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to prevent further spread into the state of Texas from hotspot areas, Governor Greg Abbott has tasked the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) with enforcing two Executive Orders surrounding travel into the state of Texas.
GA-11 was issued on March 26 and specifically addresses air travel, while GA-12 was issued on March 29 and addresses travel by roadways from Louisiana into Texas.
The requirements under both Executive Orders are the same — a covered person under the mandated quarantines shall remain in the designated quarantine location for a period of 14 days or the duration of the person's presence in Texas, whichever is shorter.
GA-12 states that every person who enters the state of Texas through roadways from Louisiana will be subject to the mandated 14-day self-quarantine.
The quarantine restrictions do not apply to travel related to military service, emergency response, health response, critical infrastructure functions, or commercial activity.
DPS has been tasked with enforcing GA-12, and said the public can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence along the Texas/Louisiana border.
According to the Louisiana State Police, Louisiana residents planning to travel into Texas must adhere to the following:
•Visitors must remain in the designated quarantine location for a period of 14 days or the duration of the person’s presence in Texas, whichever is shorter
•Persons may leave their designated location to seek medical care.
•Individuals should fill out the requested form https://www.dps.texas.gov/covidtravel/groundTravel.pdf in advance of travel into Texas.
•Motorists may depart Texas at any time
Travel information, including the required form and the mandates for self-quarantine, can be found online at www.dps.texas.gov/COVIDtravel.
For questions, contact Texas DPS at (844) 986-1093.
