Texas DPS begins screening travelers at checkpoints on roads heading from Louisiana

The Texas Department of Public Safety set up checkpoints Sunday to screen vehicles on roadways entering Texas from Louisiana, the Louisiana State Police said in a Facebook post.

“The screenings are related to the COVID-19 pandemic and motorists are urged to exercise caution and remain alert for traffic congestion when traveling west into Texas,” the post read. “The screening of vehicles applies to all roadways crossing into Texas including interstates.”

The move is a departure from the Department of Public Safety’s initial statement, which indicated troopers would not implement checkpoints but rather increase patrol in the areas.

State troopers began stopping drivers in accordance with an executive order Gov. Greg Abbott issued last week, which requires travelers from Louisiana to self-quarantine for 14 days when they enter Texas by road.

A violation of the self-quarantine is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail or both.

The order does not apply to health care workers or people who are traveling for military service or for emergency responses. Commercial truck drivers are not being stopped, a Texas DPS representative said.

It’s unknown how many checkpoints have been established, but there is at least one at a visitor center on Interstate 10 near Orange, about 100 miles east of Houston, according to The Associated Press. Travelers are being asked to complete forms with details about where they will be quarantined, DPS Sgt. Stephanie Davis said.

Texas state health officials have reported at least 6,669 coronavirus cases and a total of 118 deaths. Louisiana health officials have reported 477 coronavirus-related deaths, with a total of 13,010 confirmed cases.