ITHACA, N.Y. –– Starting Thursday, April 1, domestic travelers to New York State will no longer have to quarantine upon arrival as has been required through an Executive Order for almost a year. The move comes as coronavirus cases locally hover just below 200, and the rate of full vaccinations just surpassed 10 percent of the county population with more on the way in light of Gov. Cuomo’s eligibility expansion.
“New Yorkers have shown strength and perseverance throughout this entire pandemic, and it shows through the numbers that continue to decrease every day,” New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said in his announcement of the plan in early March. “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.”
According to a press release from the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH), “domestic travelers flying into New York State after April 1 will continue to be advised to quarantine as an added precaution, but the only remaining requirement upon arrival will be the completion of the Traveler Health Form.”
The release goes on to remind everyone that individuals should continue strict adherence to all COVID-19 safety guidelines to stop the spread of the virus, including mask wearing, social distancing and avoiding gatherings. Mandatory quarantine remains in effect for international travelers.
ITH has three airlines that offer flights directly to regional destinations, and to other highly requested locations such as Washington, D.C., Detroit and more. The new quarantine lift comes just as the airport receives its second daily American Airline flight to and from Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT).
“Air travel is an important index of economic activity and nationwide there has been a sharp increase in passenger enplanements, signaling our strong economic recovery as pandemic restrictions ease,” Director of ITH Mike Hall said.
Despite the regulation relaxation, all individuals exposed to COVID-19 or returning from travel must continue closedaily symptom monitoring for a full 14 days and continue strict adherence to all recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions, including hand hygiene and the use of face coverings, even if fully vaccinated. Furthermore, individuals 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.
To learn more about the travel advisory changes, visit the New York State website here.