Local Economist Predicts Impacts of Quarantine Policy Changes Local Economist Predicts Impacts of Quarantine Policy Changes

Calvin Christoforo: A new policy making a 14-day quarantine no longer mandatory for out-of-state travelers is now in effect. N-C-C News reporter Matt Fairfax has more on the possible local impacts of the policy change

Matt Fairfax: Out-of-state travelers now only need to isolate for three days and test negative on the fourth to avoid a longer quarantine. Economist and Syracuse University Professor Don Dutkowsky says a difference in travel to Central New York will depend on an individual’s decision involving calculated risks.

Don Dutkowsky: “The costs are the increased risks of contracting the disease if you travel. Having said that, sometimes family wins out, even makes it more willing to take these kinds of risks.”

Fairfax: Dutkowsky says the policy change could attract travelers to Central New York for two main reasons

Dutkowsky: “Number one, testing has gotten a lot more prevalent and it’s a lot easier to get tested. And number two, we know more about the disease and uh we’re learning more about it everyday.

Fairfax: Dutkowsky says regardless of the policy change, what will help Central New York most is continuing to wear masks, socially distance, and wash hands frequently.

Fairfax: Matt Fairfax, N-C-C News.

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.

 

An infographic explaining how someone can now test-out of the 14-day quarantine in New York that used to be mandatory.
The 14-day quarantine used to be mandatory for out-of-state travelers entering New York, but now a test-out option has been implemented.
© 2020 Matt Fairfax

Related Articles