July 24, 2020 by Carol Britton Meyer
Gov. Charlie Baker's new travel order -- issued today and effective Aug. 1 -- could disrupt some Hingham residents' vacation plans, or at least make spending out-of-state family time together a challenge. Non-compliance could result in fines of $500 per day.
According to the order, visitors traveling into Massachusetts -- and residents reentering the state -- from other than the low-risk five other New England states, Hawaii, New York, and New Jersey, will be expected to comply with a new travel order meant to protect residents, who Baker said have remained vigilant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new order requires anyone entering Massachusetts from other than the above exempted states to fill out a new "Massachusetts Travel Form" and to quarantine for 14 days unless they show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result administered no more than 72 hours before their arrival, according to published reports.
The order also applies to students arriving at, or returning to, Massachusetts campuses this fall.
The only other exemptions apply to those who are just passing through Massachusetts, entering the state for medical treatment, military personnel traveling under orders, traveling across state lines for work, and essential services workers.
The order comes at a time when individuals and families are starting to travel again and is meant to help stem the potential spread of COVID-19.