Epidemic concept COVID-19. Coronavirus Test Station.
Medical worker in full protective gear takes sample from patient at a COVID-19 drive-thru test site. Testing is done by throat swab.
Despite multiple warnings, and even as Covid-19 numbers spike nationwide, many Americans are still traveling this holiday season. Those traveling to New York will find city officials cracking down on travel violations, with offenders potentially getting hefty fines.
In early November, Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled restrictions requiring all incoming travelers to show they tested negative for Covid-19 within three days prior to entering the state. Once they arrive, travelers must quarantine three days and take a test on the fourth day. If they can’t provide a negative test, they will be issued a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Checkpoints with rapid testing have been set up at airports to assist arriving passengers.
Violators of mandatory quarantines rules are subject to a $1,000 fine per day. Noncompliance also will be considered a misdemeanor violation with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Travelers must provide contact information upon arrival in New York; not doing so could mean a $2,000 fine.
The sheriff’s department will watch checkpoints at key locations – including bridges, tunnels and curbside stops for buses from other states – along with members of the NYC Test and Trace Corps. The sheriff’s department will follow up with those who have been issued mandatory quarantines via email, robo calls, text messages, live calls, door knocks and in-person spot checks, according to sources.
City officials have also indicated they will be cracking down on large gatherings, defined as having more than 10 people.
Source: Crain’s New York Business
