Editor’s note: This story is part of The Daily Texan’s coverage of how coronavirus concerns are affecting UT-Austin. Read the rest of our coverage here.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order Thursday mandating that those traveling to Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Orleans must self-quarantine for two weeks or until the end of their stay, whichever is shorter.

Those in quarantine cannot have any visitors other than health care providers and will also be prohibited from visiting public spaces, according to Abbott’s order.

“(The executive order) will be run and enforced by the Texas Department of Public Safety,” Abbott said. “Those entering Texas from the areas designated in the executive order will use a form from the DPS to designate their quarantine location, whether that be in a hotel, a residence or some other location.”

Abbott said they will also have to provide other identifying information on the form and DPS troopers will conduct visits to the designated quarantine locations to verify compliance with the executive order.

“Failure to comply with this order is considered to be a criminal offense that is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or up to 180 days in jail or both,” Abbott said. “This is intended simply to achieve the goals that have been articulated by the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and by the White House organization focused on reducing the spread of the coronavirus in the United States.”

Abbott said he applauds everyone at home for practicing social distancing, but people must continue these practices.

“In addition to all of this, we know we have more work ahead of us as we combat the spread of COVID-19 in Texas,” Abbott said. “We know that everybody in the state of Texas is up to that task.”