US: New York State to ease some COVID-19 restrictions starting Feb. 14 /update 37

Event

As of Feb. 23, officials in New York State plan to continue easing business restrictions statewide over the coming weeks due to decreases in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. Authorities have released the following schedule for the resumption of specific activities and reopening of certain establishments:

March 5: Billiard halls statewide and movie theaters in New York City may reopen.
March 15: Weddings and catered events may resume statewide.
March 26: Indoor family entertainment centers can reopen at 25-percent capacity.
April 9: Outdoor amusement parks can reopen at 33-percent capacity.

Other statewide restrictions remain unchanged. Indoor dining in restaurants is allowed statewide; bars and restaurants must close nightly by 2300. All indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people. Most businesses are allowed to operate with capacity limits. For more details on the restrictions broken down by industry, click here.

All persons over the age of two must wear facemasks when in public and whenever they cannot adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Travel Restrictions
Under the current guidelines, incoming travelers who have spent over 24 hours in another noncontiguous state or in a country categorized at Level 2, 3, or 4 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. However, travelers who have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to their arrival in New York State may quarantine for three days upon arriving in the state and take a second test on day four. If the second test is negative, the individual may exit quarantine.

Travelers who were out of New York State for less than 24 hours are exempt from the quarantine requirement; however, such individuals must take a test 96 hours after returning to the state. All arriving travelers are required to fill out a Traveler Health Form. All travelers, except those traveling by air, must fill out an online form. Air passengers fill out the form at the airport. Travelers from the neighboring states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont, as well as essential workers, are exempt from all these requirements.

Travelers from countries categorized at Level 1 by the CDC are not subject to the quarantine or testing requirements but must follow nationwide guidelines. As of Feb. 23, there are 25 countries and territories at Level 1, including Australia, China, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

All persons traveling to or from New York State should reconfirm entry and departure requirements before travel. Ensure that all required documentation has been completed to ensure ease of travel. Heed the directives of the local authorities. Plan for delays at entry points.