As New York City begins to bustle again, read on for the most useful and current information for navigating the five boroughs, plus plenty of resources for planning ahead.
NYC Updates
As of June 15, Governor Andrew Cuomo has removed most coronavirus restrictions in New York State. The government no longer requires businesses to maintain social distancing or masking and cleaning protocols; businesses are free to continue implementing these measures on an individual basis if they choose. In addition, businesses no longer need to gather patrons’ contact-tracing information.
Restrictions remain in effect for large-scale indoor event venues (more than 5,000 attendees). Proof of vaccination can be used to eliminate social distancing and mask requirements. Unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals who are over the age of four must continue to present proof of a recent negative diagnostic Covid-19 test result and wear masks within the venue. But social distancing can be reduced or eliminated between tested attendees, allowing venues to reach 100 percent capacity in all sections. For more information, visit ny.gov.
Health and safety protocols, like masking and social distancing, will remain in place in certain settings, including public transit and schools.
The State will continue to follow CDC guidelines for unvaccinated individuals, meaning that those who haven't yet received their vaccines should continue to wear masks indoors and maintain social distance.
In New York City, the subway has returned to 24-hour service. Riders must continue to wear masks. For more information, visit mta.info.
Proof of full vaccination status can be provided by attendees through paper form, digital application or the State's Excelsior Pass. For more information, visit ny.gov.
Additionally, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an Executive Order eliminating the 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax rate for a three-month period, from June 1 through August 31, 2021 (other City and State taxes still apply).
NYC Travel Restrictions
Quarantine periods for domestic and international travelers entering the state are no longer required (though it remains recommended for those not fully vaccinated). Travelers from out of state—except for those coming from New York's contiguous states, which are New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont—must fill out a traveler health form, as do travelers coming from another country.
Visitor Vaccinations
Covid-19 vaccines are available in NYC to all US residents who are 12 and older, including domestic visitors to the five boroughs. Those who are ages 12 through 17 are only eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which is a two-dose regimen with at least 21 days between shots.
There are many ways to get vaccinated:
- New York City offers this comprehensive vaccine-finder tool, updated on a rolling basis, which includes links to local vaccination centers and pharmacies.
- You may call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to schedule an appointment and for more information.
- A number of sites across the five boroughs are now offering walk-up appointments. You can see these here.
- New York State operates vaccination centers across the City, including those at Javits Center and Aqueduct Racetrack. Book appointments here.
- See other appointments nationwide with the CDC’s vaccine-finder tool.
To allow visitors access to the vaccine, Mayor De Blasio announced that the City would be operating pop-up vaccination hubs in areas around the five boroughs, including Times Square, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park and various transit stops; locations may change from week to week. For a list of walk-up sites and for more information, visit nyc.gov.