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MASSACHUSETTS — Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday signed an executive order implementing new travel rules for visitors and residents returning to Massachusetts due to a surge in coronavirus cases in other states. The order goes into effect Aug. 1.
Visitors coming from out of state or residents returning to Massachusetts must fill out a health travel form and quarantine for 14 days — unless they produce a negative COVID-19 test administered no more than 72 hours before arriving or after they get to Massachusetts.
People who don’t quarantine must provide proof of a negative test upon request. Those who do not comply are subject to a $500-per-day fine.
The order includes college students returning to school for the fall semester.
There are exemptions, including for those from states with low transmission rates. Those states include New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and Hawaii.
“Every traveler coming to Massachusetts no matter where they’re from has a responsibility to help keep COVID-19 out of the commonwealth,” Baker said Friday morning.
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Baker asked Massachusetts employers not to send workers to states with high rates of COVID-19 transmission.
Lodging operators like hotels and Airbnb owners must inform travelers upon arrival.
The order comes as travel to the state increases, officials said.
“We’re not going to be stopping cars, but we expect people to comply,” Baker said.
There are also exemptions for those commuting to work or school or those receiving medical treatment.
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