On March 11, 2021, New York announced that quarantine would no longer be required for any domestic traveler entering the state as of April 1, 2021. The domestic travel guidance has no impact on international travelers; all travelers must continue to quarantine upon returning from international travel. International travelers must quarantine for seven days, with a test three to five days after returning, or must quarantine the full 10 days without a test. In addition, all travelers, including domestic and international, will still be required to complete a Traveler Health Form upon arrival into New York State.
While quarantine restrictions are being lifted on domestic travel, the NYS Department of Health still recommends quarantine after domestic travel as an added precaution. 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); and
- 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.
Next Steps for Employers
Employees returning from domestic travel prior to April 1 will still be required to quarantine or test out based on the existing travel advisory requirements which apply upon return from travel to a non-contiguous state (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Vermont) with two exceptions:
- The traveler is fully vaccinated, within three months of receiving the final dose of the vaccine, and remains asymptomatic; or
- The traveler is asymptomatic and has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past three months and has since recovered. The three-month period begins either on the date of symptom onset or the date of the first positive diagnostic test if the individual remains asymptomatic.
Those who are required to quarantine may also test out of the longer quarantine requirement under the current rules. The essential worker exception currently remains unchanged. The latest travel guidance may be found here.
HR Works will continue to monitor the travel restrictions and will communicate any new developments as needed.
