Vaccinated domestic travelers can skip quarantine in New York

New York state is lifting quarantine and COVID-19 testing restrictions on vaccinated domestic travelers. The caveat is that the new ruling applies within 90 days of the traveler's second inoculation, due to the lack of data around how long vaccine-related immunity will last.

New York governor, Andrew N. Cuomo, said that travelers will still have to undergo testing and quarantine if the 90-day period since vaccination took place has elapsed. The rules for New York at present are that travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel to the city and undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine.

The same applies to domestic travelers who haven’t been fully vaccinated yet. The relaxing of restrictions does not apply to international travelers over two years, who must also provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three days of travel and continue to quarantine, even if they’ve been vaccinated.

Cuomo also said that beginning 2 April, event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33% capacity, up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of negative test prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors and up to 500 people outdoors. Sports and entertainment events in major stadiums and arenas were already permitted to open with limited spectators from 23 February.

However, there must be strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health guidance, including mask-wearing, capacity limitations, testing requirements and assigned, socially-distanced seating.