Florida leaders oppose talks of US travel restrictions by Biden administration

The Biden administration is worried a new variant of the coronavirus will spread, and there are talks of travel restrictions floating around.

Florida leaders are worried, if travel is restricted due to these concerns, it could stop the progress of administering vaccines.

Florida airports such as Southwest Florida International Airport are busy in part because Gov. Ron DeSantis has maintained his, “We’re open,” policy.

“I think DeSantis is doing a pretty decent job,” Rich Polombo said. “So I support his efforts and trying to keep the state open and doing what he can to help facilitate people that, like coming to Florida enjoying the weather.”

But as the UK variant spreads across Florida — 343 recorded cases — the Biden administration wants to stop it at its source.

It’s not known at this time what domestic travel restrictions in the U.S., including Florida, would look like if talks became more substantial. But one idea is requiring testing before any domestic travel.

Federal officials say any travel restrictions would be made in partnership with local and state governments.

“We’ve had to stand by Floridians throughout time and again, and we will do so going forward,” said DeSantis during his visit to Charlotte County. “We will not back down, and if anyone tries to harm Floridians or target us, we will … respond very swiftly.”

“I hope they don’t do anything like that,” Don Shaver said. “I think that would be unfair to Florida.”

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