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COVID-19 checkpoint on I-95 causes long backup at Georgia, Florida border

Posted at 9:38 PM, Mar 29, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-30 12:55:51-04

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — (WJXT/CNN) -- Traffic was backed up for miles along Interstate 95 heading from Georgia to Florida on Sunday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered a checkpoint to enforce a new order that travelers from New York, Louisiana, Connecticut and New Jersey self-isolate for two weeks if they come to Florida.

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DeSantis said Saturday he thought the checkpoint was set up in a way that would enable traffic to flow smoothly.

However, aerial video showed I-95 was backed up into Georgia Sunday afternoon.

RELATED: Quarantine around NY, NJ, CT will 'not be necessary,' Trump says

Florida officials shut down the checkpoint for four hours, but it reopened early Sunday evening.

A similar measure was adopted Friday on Interstate 10 to discourage travelers from Louisiana into the Florida Panhandle.