Face of Nation International : New York’s governor on Saturday ripped suggestions by President Donald Trump that he might institute a ban on New Yorkers’ travel to other states amid the coronavirus outbreak, and Cuomo threatened to sue Rhode Island if it continues to seek out New Yorkers entering its borders.
“I don’t believe that any federal administration could be serious about physical lockdowns on parts of states across this country,” Cuomo said on CNN. “I don’t believe it’s legal. It would be economic chaos.” Late Saturday, Trump apparently backed off the idea, tweeting that he has decided against imposing a quarantine on New York and the surrounding area.
“On the recommendation of the White House CoronaVirus Task Force, and upon consultation with the Governor’s of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, I have asked the @CDCgov to issue a strong Travel Advisory, to be administered by the Governors, in consultation with the Federal Government,” Trump announced late Saturday on Twitter. “A quarantine will not be necessary. Full details will be released by CDC tonight. Thank you!”
Soon after, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance urging residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut “to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately.” The CDC said the governors of the tri-state area “will have full discretion to implement this Domestic Travel Advisory.”
Trump had said earlier Saturday that he is considering imposing an “enforceable” quarantine on New York and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, areas hard-hit by the new coronavirus. “Some people would like to see New York quarantined because it’s a hot spot,” Trump told reporters on the White House South Lawn as he departed for Norfolk, Virginia.
“I’m thinking about that right now. We might not have to do it, but there’s a possibility that sometime today we’ll do a quarantine.” (Source: USA Today News – USA)
