TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP/WPTV) — Florida officials are walking back an earlier advisory requesting all travelers returning from foreign countries self-isolate, further sowing confusion over its efforts to contain a fast-spreading threat to public health.
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An earlier statement from the Florida Health Department had advised all individuals traveling internationally to self-isolate for 14 days.
Two hours later, health officials revised its advisory to realign with federal health guidelines that require travelers returning from the high-risk countries — China, South Korea, Italy and Iran — to remain home and avoid contact with others.
The Florida Department of Health is advising all individuals who have traveled internationally to follow the new CDC guidelines, summarized below:
- Level 3: Mandatory 14-day self-isolation and practice social distancing upon return to the United States. Social distancing includes avoiding going out in public and close personal interactions. If you become symptomatic, immediately self-isolate and contact your county health department or health care provider.
- Level 2 and Cruises: Monitor your health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the United States. If you become symptomatic, immediately self-isolate and contact your county health department or health care provider.
- For more information regarding current CDC travel advisories related to COVID-19, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
.@CDCgov has issued new travel guidelines: Those who traveled to a country with a Level 3 advisory must self-isolate for 14 days. If travel was to a country with a Level 2 advisory or cruise, limit interactions for 14 days & notify your local health department if you become ill
— Florida Dept. Health (@HealthyFla) March 9, 2020
Health officials said the move was to help contain a fast-spreading threat to public health.
Two people have already died in Florida out of the 18 Florida residents that state health officials say have tested positive for the new strain of coronavirus that is now quickly spreading across the United States and other parts of the world.
It was unclear how the new advisory could play out in a state that is a destination for millions of visitors from overseas.
