This is NOT how the self-quarantine is being enforced… I have heard so much wrong or misinformation about this subject in the past 24 hours that I thought that I would address it here. It concerns people who are traveling to Florida from the states of New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. This includes those who are changing planes in one of those states, even if it is just a short stopover.
Currently, anyone who travels to Florida from one of these three states is required to self-quarantine for 14 days, or length of stay, whichever is shorter. The current order is set to expire on July 7, and I have heard no rumors that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will extend it. Since New York has seen dramatic improvements over the past couple of weeks, I would be shocked if he chooses to extend it.
This is the same order that has been around since the middle of March. Contrary to what you might have heard elsewhere, this is not new, and it has not recently been extended. I have followed this order closely ever since it was first mandated. When I go up North to see my parents, I usually fly into Albany or Hartford. According to this order, if I were to visit now, I would have to self-quarantine for 14 days when I returned. I have a stake in this one.
The reason why so many people are upset about this (and treating it like it’s brand new) is because some of the Walt Disney World resorts are going to reopen on June 22, which is before the order expires. In one of their updates to the Know Before You Go section of the Walt Disney World website, Disney said that people will not be allowed to self-quarantine at a Disney resort. The exact words are “Guests who are under isolation or quarantine orders must not enter Walt Disney World Resort”.
The reason that we even have this order in Florida is simple. Back in the middle of March, New York was hit hard by Coronavirus. Many people decided to flee the state and head to Florida. Some of them brought the virus with them. In order to keep people as safe as possible, Governor DeSantis gave the order. He also stopped the rental of vacation homes, but those are now accepting guests once again.
Travelers to Florida from the Tri-state area have been told about the self-quarantine since it started, and they have been given instructions on what to do. It has all been on good faith, which means that most people have filled out the paperwork and then disregarded the order. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve seen brag on Facebook that they ignored it. Disney is making sure that they will not be part of the problem.
I’m not sure why this is the latest hot-button issue when it comes to Disney. I also don’t know why so many sites are saying that this is something that is brand new. If you’re coming from one of these states and you’ll be arriving after July 7, there shouldn’t be a problem. If you will be here before that, you might want to look into rescheduling. When I hear more information, I’ll let you know. As I said, I’m watching this one closely, because it affects when I can see my parents again.