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Following the discovery of new strains of the coronavirus, the state of New York has moved to introduce a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days for travelers arriving from overseas. The news follows a series of travel bans around the world for countries that have reported new virus mutations, such as the UK and South Africa, and has been done to prevent the spread of such strains in the fourth largest US state. Here further information about the quarantine order, and what the news could spell for transatlantic journeys for travelers.
The Quarantine Order – What Will Travelers Have To Do?
In today’s Covid-19 world, quarantine orders aren’t new, and New York’s announcement makes it the latest destination to impose such an order for international travelers.
In a speech yesterday, New York’s Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all international travelers would be subjected to a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival. Travelers must also provide their contact details in order to be easily contactable for contact tracing purposes. De Blasio also stressed the importance of getting through the holiday season, describing it as the final battle against the spread of Covid-19, as the state begins to issue the vaccine to its inhabitants.
However, whilst there is a general quarantine issued to all international travelers, those from the UK are to be subjected to additional measures.
What UK Travelers Need To Know About New York’s Quarantine
De Blasio made sure to explain the different process that travelers from the UK must know about before arriving in New York. UK travelers are still to quarantine as normal; however, they are to be visited in their hotel rooms or their homes by sheriff’s deputies to ensure that the rules and practices of the quarantine are being followed. Those who breach the quarantine regulations are to be fined $1000 for each day that they are not complying.
That isn’t the only measure that will affect UK travelers hoping to make it to New York over the festive period. The Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, struck a deal with the three airlines that serve the UK-New York route – British Airways, Virgin and Delta – that will see UK travelers tested for Covid-19 prior to boarding the flight, with only those with negative tests allowed to make the journey.
Why Have Travelers Been Subjected To The Quarantine?
The decision to impose a quarantine order on international travelers follows the discovery of new virus strains in different countries.
The UK has been struggling to deal with a strain of Covid-19 that appears to be much more easily spread. As a result, more than a third of the population have been plunged into a strict Tier 4 lockdown that will see Christmas plans ruined for millions. Many countries have taken the drastic step of banning flights from the UK altogether as they try to prevent the strain from getting a foothold in their borders.
Another virus strain has been found in South Africa. Whilst it is similar to the UK strain in that it is more transmissible, it has also been observed to be more potent amongst younger people, making it a huge cause for concern for governments around the world. The UK, Germany, Israel and many others have in turn banned flights from South Africa.
With the UK now quarantined and advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary, it’s likely to result in a drop in the number of travelers taking the transatlantic hop across the pond.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Glenn
Sunday 27th of December 2020
Why in God’s name would anyone want to visit this cesspool?
Liberty
Friday 25th of December 2020
As if anyone wants to travel to NYC anymore...What a dump.