Governor Cuomo Announces Travel Enforcement Operation to Contain COVID-19 Transmission in New York State

Strategic Insights -

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has taken significant steps to contain the spread of COVID-19 in New York State by announcing a travel enforcement operation that will commence on July 14th at airports statewide. The operation aims to ensure travelers are following the state's quarantine restrictions, which were put in place to help mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission. As part of this effort, enforcement teams will be stationed at airports to request proof of completion of the State Department of Health (DOH) traveler form from arriving passengers. Those who fail to comply with the order will face a $2,000 fine and may be brought to a hearing for mandatory quarantine.

Key Takeaways:

  • The travel enforcement operation will commence on July 14th at airports statewide, with a focus on ensuring travelers comply with the state's quarantine restrictions.
  • Enforcement teams will be stationed at airports, including Port Authority airports and regional airports, to request proof of completion of the State DOH traveler form from arriving passengers.
  • Airlines have pledged to help make passengers aware of the new requirement through pre-flight emails, announcements, and other methods.
  • Travelers who fail to comply with the order will face a $2,000 fine and may be brought to a hearing for mandatory quarantine.
  • The operation aims to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in New York State, particularly from states with significant community spread.
  • Governor Cuomo emphasized that lack of compliance and the virus coming to New York from other states with increasing infection rates are the two main threats to the state's success in fighting COVID-19.

Statistics:

  • 19 states currently meet the criteria for required quarantine based on a seven-day rolling average of positive tests in excess of 10% or the number of positive cases exceeding 10 per 100,000 residents.
  • $2,000 is thefine imposed on travelers who fail to comply with the state's quarantine restrictions and do not complete the DOH traveler form.
  • The enforcement operation will cover all airports in New York State, including Port Authority airports and regional airports.

Sources:

  • Governor Andrew M. Cuomo press release, July 13
  • New York State Department of Health traveler form (https://forms.ny.gov/s3/Welcome-to-New-York-State-Traveler-Health-Form)
  • Emergency health order (https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Air_Travel_Order_Draft_Section_16_order_signed.pdf)