Editor’s Note — Coronavirus cases remain high across the globe. Health officials caution that travel increases your chances of getting and spreading the virus. Staying home is the best way to stem transmission. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated in its entirety on February 21.

(CNN) — If you’re planning to travel to New York City, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The basics

Since December 6, all inbound international travelers 2 and older are required to test within one day of departure for the United States, regardless of vaccination status. This does not affect US domestic travel.

While the state of New York recently lifted a mask-or-vaccination mandate, New York City’s “Key to NYC” vaccination requirement is still in place. It requires proof of vaccination for patrons and employees of the city’s indoor dining, fitness and entertainment venues.

Some of the venues of interest to travelers that are part of the requirement include restaurants, nightclubs, concert halls, museums, performing arts and movie theaters, cabarets, fitness centers, pools and coffee shops with indoor dining.

What’s on offer

This is the ultimate city break. New York has the greatest city skyline in the world; culture from the Guggenheim to MoMA; spectacular food from Chinese delicacies in Flushing to Italian delights in the Bronx; and the green sweep of Central Park to the busy Lower East Side.

Who can go

Unvaccinated travelers from abroad are no longer allowed to enter the United States, with very limited exceptions. Among those exceptions are unvaccinated children younger than 18.

New York doesn’t have any restrictions on domestic travelers.

What are the restrictions?

Every air traveler entering the United States needs a negative Covid-19 test result. Passengers are required to get a viral test within one day before their flight to the United States departs and to provide documentation of their lab results or documentation of having recovered from Covid-19.

The state of New York’s travel advisory expired in June 2021, and travelers no longer have to submit traveler health forms. The state still encourages all travelers to follow CDC guidance.

What’s the Covid situation?

As of February 21, about 39,600 total confirmed and probable deaths and roughly 2.27 million total confirmed or probable cases were registered. There’s been a test positivity rate of about 5.72% in the past 28 days. The rate is decreasing after a sharp spike.

What can visitors expect?

Restaurants, movie theaters and other venues are open. But their indoor spaces are open only to vaccinated patrons 5 and older under the “Key to NYC” policy.
On Broadway, guests 5 and older must be fully vaccinated to attend a show. That requirement is in effect through at least April 30. Masks are also required except when eating and drinking.

• Staten Island Ferry, St. George Terminal on Staten Island (next to the North Shore Esplanade exit)

• Times Square (701 Seventh Avenue between West 47th and West 48th streets)

Useful links

Our recent coverage

Want to eat great Indian food? You’ll find it across the water in New Jersey. Or salivate over New York cheesecake in our list of the world’s best desserts.

Forrest Brown, Marnie Hunter, Joe Minihane, Julia Buckley and Kristina Sgueglia have contributed to this report.



Source link

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR