Beginning April 1st, domestic travelers entering New York from other U.S. states and territories will no longer be required to quarantine. However, the state Department of Health still recommends a two-week quarantine after domestic travel as an added precaution, even though it is no longer required.
Since March 2020, New York state has required a mandatory quarantine for any traveler entering New York from a Level 2 or Level 3 country – that’s all but 31 countries on the globe. Mandatory quarantine remains in effect for international travelers.
All travelers must continue to fill out the state’s Traveler Health Form. Individuals should continue strict adherence to all safety guidelines to stop the spread – wearing masks, socially distancing and avoiding gatherings.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that the statewide sustained positivity rate and the increased distribution of vaccines lead to his decision to ease travel restrictions.
“New Yorkers have shown great strength and perseverance throughout this entire pandemic, and it shows through the numbers that continue to decrease every day,” Cuomo said.
“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,” Cuomo said.
“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 great news, but it is not an all-clear for New Yorkers 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.”
Regardless of their quarantine status, all individuals exposed to COVID-19, or returning from travel must continue daily symptom monitoring for two weeks; continue strict adherence to hand washing and face coverings; and must immediately self-isolate if any symptoms develop and contact the local public health authority or their health care provider.
