New York’s Domestic Travel Quarantine Requirement Ends April 1st

New York City has been pretty empty since the pandemic hit, due to bans on international travel and restrictions on domestics travel. Now the city and New York State could see a boost in tourism, starting next month. Domestic travelers will no longer be required to quarantine after entering New York from another U.S. State or U.S. Territory starting April 1st.

While no longer required, the NYS Department of Health still recommends quarantine after domestic travel as an added precaution. Mandatory quarantine remains in effect for international travelers. All travelers must continue to fill out the Traveler Health Form. Individuals should continue strict adherence to all safety guidelines to stop the spread – wearing masks, socially distancing and avoiding gatherings.

The announcement doesn’t mention a vaccination requirement, but the governor indicated the accelerated rollout, along with declines in virus rates across the state, contributed to his decision. Hospitalizations statewide are at their lowest total since Dec. 6 (4,735), Cuomo said, while the daily positivity rate is 2.77 percent, the lowest since Nov. 21.

Regardless of quarantine status, all individuals exposed to COVID-19 or returning from travel must:

• Continue daily symptom monitoring through Day 14;
• Continue strict adherence to all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions, including hand hygiene and the use of face coverings, through Day 14 (even if fully vaccinated);
• Must immediately self-isolate if any symptoms develop and contact the local public health authority or their healthcare provider to report this change in clinical status and determine if they should seek testing.