COVID-19 impact: Will travelers follow California's new 14-day quarantine advisory?
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KGO) -- On Friday, Governor Newsom issued a travel advisory, asking those coming into California to quarantine for 14 days and asking residents not to travel out of state during the holidays. Unlike other countries where there is a strict mandatory quarantine, the advisory is just that -- advice, with no one tracking you down.
RELATED: California issues travel advisory instead of mandatory quarantine, but will it be taken seriously?
At the domestic arrivals terminal at SFO, Saturday evening, we polled 12 different travelers coming into the Bay Area from all over the country, some COVID-19 hotspots -- Houston, Colorado, New Hampshire, Phoenix, to ask if they plan to follow the state's new 14-day quarantine travel advisory. We promised to hide their identity to get some honest answers.
One traveler, flat out said "no." Not because he didn't want to quarantine but because it wasn't going to be possible. He's traveling again in 5 days.
"I'm getting a test on Tuesday and if that's negative, i'll base it on that," said another traveler.
One student coming home from college said he had no idea there was a travel advisory, he didn't get notice at any of the airports. There are no signs at SFO indicating there's an advisory.
"I was not aware of that."
The final result of our informal poll of 12 travelers was encouraging: Will you follow the state's new 14-day quarantine travel advisory?
1 - NO.
1 - I DON'T KNOW.
7 - DEFINITELY YES.
3 - YES BUT... ( meaning they were generally isolating but not with any strict rules, while others were going to get test right away)
"There's way too much gray area for sure," said one traveler.
And not just gray area. Our poll was just a sample of 12. According to SFO officials, in November last year, more than 4 million travelers came through the airport. This year that traffic is down by about 75% but that's still a lot of people. Many public health officials are worried about California being boxed in by other states with higher COVID-19 numbers.
In a press conference last week, state health officials say if the advisory doesn't work, they'll consider enforcement.
RELATED: Despite COVID-19, travelers booking trips for something to look forward to
One common thing that seemed to be motivating the travelers we talked to, care for loved ones.
"My mom is elderly and I don't want to risk her health," said one traveler.
"I've got two kids, my husband is in the medical field, so we're going to do what we have to do to stay safe."
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- Map: CA counties that can, can't reopen under new rules
- Updated number of COVID-19 deaths, cases in Bay Area
- COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources, information
- California EDD: The most commonly asked questions we get about unemployment and PUA
- How to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and coronavirus symptoms
- Here's which mask is better to protect from COVID-19
- First COVID-19 vaccine volunteers in US describe experience as Bay Area launches vaccine trials
- From salons to dinner parties:Experts rate the risk of 12 activities
- Coronavirus origin: Where did COVID-19 come from?
- What is a COVID-19 genetic, antigen and antibody test?
- What will it take to get aCOVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
- COVID-19Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during novel coronavirus pandemic
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
