Domestic Travel Restrictions Could Be Coming Soon
The Biden Administration is considering new travel restrictions as we detect more cases of COVID-19 variants in the United States and throughout the world.
A highly-contagious variant originally discovered in the United Kingdom, known as “B117,” has spread to 34 states. It is also “surging” in Florida.
B117 currently represents 15% of new cases in the Sunshine State (up from 1% at the beginning of the year). Researchers expect that number to double each week.
“In addition to what we’ve been asking of the population – masks, distancing, avoiding large gatherings – I think people should consider avoiding travel, especially to tourist destinations where there’s a greater chance of disease spread to individuals who can take it to more places,” says Robert Bednarczyk, a public health expert.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has kept the state’s economy relatively open compared to other states, has already made it clear that he will oppose any domestic travel restrictions.
“Instituting a travel ban, or any restriction of movement between the states, would be an outrageous, authoritarian move that has no basis in law or science,” adds Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R).
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky have also suggested requiring COVID testing for all travelers on domestic flights. Rubio has described this proposal as “reckless and economically harmful.”
This policy would require a “42% increase in testing capacity” and is “not scalable, feasible, or effective,” argues Tori Emerson Barnes, executive vice president of public affairs and policy at the US Travel Association.
Health officials argue that the arrival of the COVID vaccines makes it even more important to slow the spread.
“Right now, we’re in a race with the virus trying to get people vaccinated as quickly as possible, and B117 is one of the most serious threats to that,” says Stephen Kissler, an infectious disease expert. In addition, research indicates that patients who have recovered from COVID are not protected from a future infection.
“No decisions have been made, but we certainly are having conversations across government,” said one White House official. “This is a war and we’re at battle with the virus…War is messy and unpredictable, and all options are on the table.”
The Public Health Service Act of 1944 gives the government authority to restrict travel between states during a pandemic. However, the government has never applied the law to entire state populations.
Courts would likely block such a move, explains Meryl Chertoff, an adjunct professor at Georgetown Law. “That’s a very severe restriction on personal liberty…If one took that to court, the question would be: Isn’t there a less restrictive means to accomplish that objective?”
The courts would be more receptive to travel restrictions that only affect individuals confirmed to have the disease, she adds.
Author’s Note: This is very disturbing. If the Biden Administration passes an edit restricting travel between states, the American people will not stand for it.
Sources:
WH Considering Domestic Travel Restrictions Due to Virus Variants
White House looks at domestic travel restrictions as COVID mutation surges in Florida
White House looks at domestic travel restrictions as virus variant surges in Florida
RIDICULOUS!! Just another reach from the left to “whip” us under their control and force socialism. If the majority go along like good little sheeples and “allow them to herd us onto the system” then we’re all done for as a FREE country.
We’ve seen them “force the mask” agenda by using fear. Now here we go again. I’m so sick and tired of all the fear mongering and restrictions. We’re all gonna go sometime and we could walk out the front door, fall on concrete, crack our head open and be gone. That sound extreme but no more extreme than the idea that we could get the virus. If it’s my time to go, I’m going to go, one way or another; if it’s not my time, then I’ll live another day, just that simple. I refuse to live the rest of my life in fear.
If there is an edit prohibiting travel between states and you are caught doing such….just say, “No, hablo ingles.”
Just one more excuse to control the American people. Why do you think they want to permanently install fences around the Capitol? Take our weapons away and they have complete control over the population. Hope everyone has a good supply of rocks because that is all you will have to fight back with. Democrat party? NO! The new American communist party , and they have no problem admitting to it , although they call it socialism . Just window dressing.
Insanity reigns in our Nation………..EXACTLY what or who is causing it all?????