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Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York, said Thursday that starting on April 1st, 2021, domestic travelers will no longer be required to quarantine after entering New York from another U.S. state or territory.
New York was one of the first states in the U.S. to implement travel restrictions on domestic visitors last spring.
It was announced last week that New York would welcome domestic travelers who have had both shots of the Covid-19 vaccine with no need to quarantine or self-isolate. The updated announcement is for all domestic travelers, regardless if they have been vaccinated or not.
No Quarantine for Domestic Travel Starting April 1st
Speaking in a briefing yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that New York will lift the quarantine and testing restrictions for incoming domestic travelers on April 1st, 2021.
“As we work to build our vaccination infrastructure even further and get more shots in arms, we're making significant progress in winning the footrace between the infection rate and the vaccination rate, allowing us to open new sectors of our economy and start our transition to a new normal in a post-pandemic world. As part of that transition, quarantine for domestic travelers is no longer required, but it is still being advised as an added precaution.”
This is welcome news for domestic travelers in the United States, as New York City is one of the country's most popular vacation destinations. In 2019, 51.6 million travelers from within the United States visited New York City.
Domestic Travel to New York State – What Travelers Need to Know
Though the requirement to quarantine for domestic travelers will end on April 1st, health officials are still recommending it as an added precaution.
Domestic travelers must continue to fill out the state's traveler form and adhere to core COVID safety guidelines issued by the state and federal authorities. This includes:
- Monitoring symptoms through day 14 after arriving in New York.
- Strict adherence to COVID safety measures, including hand hygiene and the use of face coverings through Day 14 (even if fully vaccinated).
- All travelers must immediately self-isolate if any symptoms develop. Symptomatic people must contact the local public health authority or their healthcare provider to report this change in clinical status and determine if they should seek testing.
International Travel to New York State – What Travelers Need to Know
Whilst this is good news for domestic travelers, it doesn’t apply to the millions of international travelers who enter New York every year. For those coming from abroad, the mandatory quarantine still remains in effect with many rules and restrictions.
Travelers entering New York from another country must obtain a negative test taken no more than three days before departure.
Upon arrival in the state, travelers must quarantine for three days and take another Covid-19 test on the 4th day. If the results are negative, they can leave quarantine. Should travelers not obtain a negative test, a full ten days of quarantine is required.
Case Numbers Dropping in New York
New York has been one of the hardest-hit states during the pandemic, ranking second in the country for new cases per capita. Cuomo said that hospitalizations statewide are at their lowest total since Dec. 6 (4,735), while the daily positivity rate is 2.77 percent – the lowest since Nov. 21.
While this is good news, Cuomo cautioned New Yorkers not to let their guard down.
“To beat this virus once and for all we all must continue doing what we know works to stop the spread, including wearing masks, washing our hands and practicing social distancing.” Cuomo said.
New York State also expanded its vaccine eligibility to residents 60 and older this week, and expanded on the essential workers who are eligible to get the vaccine.
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