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If you’re planning to travel to New York City, here’s what you need to know and expect regarding Covid-19 if you plan to visit.
New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Sept. 7 that face masks are now optional in several settings where they were previously required.
For tourists visiting New York City, this includes:
• Public transport (such as subways and buses)
• Rental vehicles (such as taxis, limousines and Uber rides)
• Airports
Broadway venue operators are now allowing theatergoers to wear a mask as an option, the Broadway League says.
The city’s key to NYC requirements were lifted on March 7.
Proof of vaccination is no longer required for guests of the city’s indoor dining, fitness and entertainment facilities.
While the CDC continues to recommend that everyone ages 2 and older wear a well-fitting mask on public transit, masks are currently not required on airplanes, trains, and other public transit.
This is the ultimate city break. New York has the greatest skyline in the world; Culture from the Guggenheim to MoMA; spectacular dining from Chinese delights in Flushing to Italian delights in the Bronx; and Central Park’s green arch to the bustling Lower East Side.
Fully vaccinated international travelers (ie, those who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents) are permitted entry into the United States, including New York City.
US citizens or lawful permanent residents do not need vaccines to return to the United States.
New York has no restrictions on domestic travelers.
What are the restrictions?
With few exceptions, unvaccinated foreign travelers are no longer allowed to enter the United States. These exceptions include unvaccinated children under the age of 18.
New York State’s travel advisory expired in June 2021 and travelers are no longer required to submit travel health forms. The state continues to encourage all travelers to follow CDC guidelines.
How is the Covid situation?
Despite the latest relaxation of rules, New York City’s Covid Alert System is finding there are still high rates of Covid-19 transmission in the city. Although optional, it is still recommended that visitors and residents:
• Wear a quality mask in all indoor public spaces and around outdoor crowds
• Stay up to date on vaccinations
• Test before and after travel or gatherings.
As of September 7, a total of more than 41,800 confirmed and probable deaths and nearly 2.85 million total confirmed or probable cases have been recorded since the pandemic began. The test positivity rate for the city has been 9.2% over the past seven days
What can visitors expect?
Despite the optional Broadway mask update, owners and operators will continue to encourage viewers to wear masks at all 41 Broadway theaters.
Masking protocols will be decided on a month-to-month basis as the league continues to monitor science, the Broadway League said.
Restaurants, cinemas and other venues are open. The Key to NYC policy, which allows only vaccinated guests to access indoor spaces, expired in March.
Air New Zealand’s first-ever direct flight to New York City landed at JFK Airport on September 17.
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Do you want to eat good Indian food? You’ll find it across the water in New Jersey. Or enjoy New York cheesecake in our list of the world’s best desserts.
The CNN Wire
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Forrest Brown, Marnie Hunter, Joe Minihane, Julia Buckley, and Richard Davis contributed to this report.
