Consider Taking Thanksgiving Travel Off Your Plate, Officials Say

NEW YORK CITY — Coronavirus is coming back for seconds in New York City.

Health officials on Monday renewed warnings against holiday travel as Thanksgiving nears and COVID-19 makes a comeback in the city. Mayor Bill de Blasio first urged New Yorkers in late October to reconsider leaving the city for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

This time, Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi echoed the warning.

"As the Mayor said, please, if you don't absolutely have to, don't travel," he said. "This will help protect not just your loved ones, but also other New Yorkers."

Choksi said just because mistletoe is off limits doesn't mean holiday cheer has to end. He said people can still enjoy virtual gatherings and seasonal traditions from a distance.

New Yorkers should also follow the "Core Four" ways to prevent coronavirus infection — mask up, maintain distance, wash your hands, stay home if you're ill and get tested — he said.

"Six feet and a mask are what helps separate us from a second wave of hospitalizations and avoidable suffering," he said.

De Blasio reminded New Yorkers who do travel that the state's quarantine rules have changed. Travelers to New York can "test out" of a mandatory 14-day quarantine by obtaining a test within three days of their arrival in New York, quarantine for three days and then obtain another COVID test on their fourth day of quarantine. Two negative tests allow travelers to end the quarantine.

"We have to take it seriously," de Blasio said. "We have to enforce it. We will enforce it, because this is how we use every tool in our power to stop a second wave from hitting us here."

The travel advisory doesn't apply to travelers from states bordering New York; however they must fill out a "traveler health form."

The state's travel advisory can be read here.