New York will no longer require domestic travelers entering the state to adhere to a COVID-19 quarantine after April 1, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday.
People traveling to New York are still advised to wear face masks, avoid crowds, follow social distancing guidelines, monitor for any coronavirus symptoms, and isolate if symptoms develop.
“This is great news, but it is not an all-clear for New Yorkers to let their guard down,” Cuomo said in a statement.
“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,” he said.
The mandatory quarantine will remain in place for international travelers, and all travelers are still required to fill out the state’s traveler health form.
In addition, New York residents who return from travel should monitor their symptoms for 14 days, even if fully vaccinated, according to the statement. They should also wear face masks and isolate if symptoms develop.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said that he wasn’t consulted about the change, according to ABC 7.
“I don’t know if that’s the State’s idea of an April Fool’s joke, but it is absolutely the wrong thing to do,” he said during a press briefing on Friday. “It’s reckless. It doesn’t help us with our recovery.”
De Blasio pointed to concerns about variants and urged state officials to reevaluate the decision, which he said could “undermine progress” around slowing the pandemic.
“If you say someone is vaccinated, they can fly, they can visit, of course,” he added. “But if someone’s not vaccinated, what’s so hard about following the same process that has been followed to date? This is what our health care leaders believe makes sense.”
According to www.webmd.com
