New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced new guidelines for out-of-state travel that go into effect today, November 4, 2020. Individuals who travel to or return to New York from any other non-contiguous state may follow a newly announced testing policy outlined by the Governor or must quarantine for a full 14 days. Quarantine guidance for close contacts of a positive case has not changed. The purpose of quarantine is to monitor yourself for the development of symptoms while the virus could be in your body.
Contiguous (bordering) states to New York include Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
The travel-related testing and quarantine rules are in effect because the rate of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in all states and increases the likelihood of disease transmission in New York State.
All travelers entering New York from a non-contiguous state must quarantine for a period of 14 days, unless:
For travelers who were in a non-contiguous state for more than 24 hours:
- Travelers must have obtained a diagnostic test within 3 days of departure from that state.
- The traveler must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine for 3 days.
- On day 4 of their quarantine, the traveler must obtain another diagnostic COVID test. If the results of both tests are negative, the traveler may exit quarantine upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test result.
- Travelers must fill out the Traveler Health Form prior to or upon arrival in New York.
- The testing policy described here only applies to travelers.
For travelers who were in a non-contiguous state for less than 24 hours:
- The traveler does not need a diagnostic test prior to their departure from the other state, and does not need to quarantine upon arrival in New York State.
- However, the traveler must fill out the Traveler Health Form upon entry into New York State and seek a COVID diagnostic test 4 days after their arrival in New York.
If you are an essential worker, exceptions to the travel advisory are permitted:
- For short-term (less than 12 hours) and medium-term (less than 36 hours) travel to New York State, essential workers must monitor temperature and signs of symptoms, wear a face covering, and maintain social distance. Avoid extended periods in public and large congregate settings.
- For long-term travel to New York State (greater than 36 hours and requiring overnight stay), essential workers are required to follow all precautions and seek diagnostic testing for COVID-19 on day 4 after arriving in New York.
- The updated guidance from November 3 can be found on the NYS DOH website.
If at any time an individual feels sick or has any COVID-related symptoms, they should get tested.
“We continue to adjust and adapt as we learn more about COVID-19 and receive guidance from New York State. We are fortunate to have testing available in our County. However, I want to be clear that this new testing policy does not apply to those in mandatory quarantine due to close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. These individuals must follow instructions from the Health Department and are monitored for the full 14 days,” stated Frank Kruppa, Public Health Director.
“We all need to continue taking the same precautions: wear masks, wash hands, and maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others. With the holidays coming up, I also remind everyone to avoid non-essential travel. The best gift to your family this holiday season is to avoid spreading COVID-19, so please consider staying home,” Kruppa continued.
The testing policy described above does not apply to travelers from contiguous states with New York. These states include Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
The travel guidelines require all New Yorkers, as well as those visiting from out of state, to take personal responsibility for compliance in the best interest of public health and safety.
For Tompkins County residents, the cost of testing is covered. However, out of County residents will need to pay for testing following travel, because it is not medically necessary. To get tested, register for an appointment at https://cayugahealthsystem.org/.
For more information about the updated travel advisory, refer to the TCHD website or the NYS website.
For more information about how to quarantine, refer to the TCHD website.
For local updates and information, check the TCHD website.
Everyone can continue to take these steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community:
- Refrain from traveling to non-contiguous states.
- Keep 6 feet distance between yourself and others when in public.
- Wear a mask at all times in public spaces, especially when 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained. Masks and face coverings must be worn by everyone over age two at all times in public places when 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained. Fines are enforceable for individuals who are in violation of these regulations. Businesses must deny entry to anyone who is not wearing a face covering.
- Non-essential gatherings are limited to 50 people for our region, but must comply with distancing and face covering guidance.
- Wash hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid close and continued contact with other people not in your household.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
To file a complaint about a business or social gathering go to the TCHD website.
The Tompkins County Health Department is your partner for a healthy community. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsPublicHealth and on Twitter at @TompkinsHealth.
