SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – A new policy making a 14-day quarantine no longer mandatory for out-of-state travelers arriving in New York has officially begun.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state officials announced Saturday, Oct. 31 that as of Wednesday, Nov. 4, individuals traveling to New York who wish to avoid a 14 day quarantine can complete a list of requirements to avoid isolating for the entire two week period.
To avoid a 14-day quarantine, an individual can take a COVID-19 test and test negative 72 hours before arriving in New York, upload the negative result online, quarantine for three days after arriving in New York, and test negative for COVID-19 again on the fourth day, Cuomo and state officials said.
The quarantine policy change has sparked some intrigue whether the effects of the policy change will be visible in Central New York.
Local economist and Syracuse University Emeritus Professor Don Dutkowsky said a visible difference in travel to Central New York as a result of the policy change will depend on how comfortable travelers are with making decisions that involve calculated risks surrounding the spread of COVID-19.
“The costs are the increased risks of contracting the disease if you travel,” Dutkowsky said. “Having that said that, sometimes family wins out, even makes it more willing to take these kinds of risks.”
Dutkowsky also said the policy change could attract more travelers and students to Central New York for two main reasons.
“Number one, testing has gotten a lot more prevalent and it’s a lot easier to get tested,” Dutkowsky said. “And number two, we know more about the disease and we’re learning more about it every day.”
Regardless of the quarantine policy change, Dutkowsky said what will help Central New Yorkers and travelers most is to continue wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing hands frequently.
