Louisiana Residents Arrested Over Bribe to Avoid COVID Quarantine
I would have to admit, it would be hard to go to such a beautiful place like Hawaii and not want to get out and explore immediately. However, this is 2021 and we're still dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. So, jumping off a plane and hitting the beaches at Waikiki isn't exactly how things work if you're vacationing in the Aloha State these days.
Hawaii has enacted very strict border controls on all visitors who come to the islands. Two Louisiana residents obviously felt they could pay their way past those restrictions but their plan failed miserably. Johntrell White of Simmesport and Nadia Bailey of Baton Rouge found that out the hard way.
According to a report in the Star-Advertiser Newspaper, the pair arrived at Friday at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. They did not have valid COVID-19 exemptions or pre-tests. They then allegedly attempted to bypass Hawaii's mandatory safe travel rules by flashing some cash at an airport screener.
According to the Star-Advertiser story, Johntrelle White allegedly attempted to bribe the screener by offering $2,000 in cash. There was an additional $1,000 in cash allegedly offered if both White and Bailey could pass through the border controls and avoid quarantine.
The screener, in this case, didn't fall for the bribe and alerted a sheriff's deputy working security near the screening area. The pair was arrested and charged with bribery. Both White and Bailey were booked and released. It was reported that they immediately flew back to the mainland.
That just goes to show you that some states are taking the coronavirus pandemic a lot more seriously than others. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control has just issued guidance on travel. The CDC simply says, don't. That's right Don't Travel is the latest advice from the CDC in their efforts to help mitigate the virus.
Our advice is a little less strict. If you are going to attempt to hit the road, first make sure you're healthy. Second, plan on delays and extra scrutiny at airports and on airplanes. Third, wear your mask and wash your hands. Oh, and you might want to read up on travel restrictions at your destination or your trip, like the two we just told you about, could be very short-lived indeed.
You know, instead of jumping on a plane, why not hop in your car? There are plenty of great things to see that are just a day's drive away. Just mind your speed while you're behind the wheel.
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