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In response to increased rates of COVID-19 transmission in certain U.S. states, New York has joined with New Jersey and Connecticut to issue a travel advisory for anyone returning from states that have significant community spread.

The Tompkins County Health Department is discouraging all non-essential travel to affected states by Tompkins County residents. Public Health Director Frank Kruppa stated, "COVID-19 is still an ongoing pandemic, and while New York State has curbed the spread of the disease, we're seeing it increase across the nation at unprecedented rates. Traveling to states with increasing spread is not advised, we need to continue to be vigilant to prevent future outbreaks of the disease."

According to New York State, all travelers returning from a state with either a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a seven-day rolling average; or a testing positivity rate of higher than a 10% over a seven-day rolling average will be required to quarantine for a period of 14 days consistent with the NYS Department of Health (NYS DOH) regulations for quarantine. The designated states with significant community spread will be regularly updated on the NYS DOH website.

There are exceptions to the travel advisory if traveling in an affected State for less than 24 hours and for first responders and essential workers. Read the full guidance here.

As Fourth of July weekend approaches, and residents consider summer vacation and increased social gatherings, the Health Department reminds everyone to continue to maintain physical distance, wear face coverings, and wash hands well and often.

"As a County, we have worked hard to follow the guidance and uphold precautions as we went through the reopening phases. Our actions during the next few weeks are crucial to preventing another increase in cases," stated Kruppa.

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