Governor Issues COVID-19 Travel Advisory

As you may be aware, in an effort to help contain the coronavirus, Governor Cuomo is currently requiring a 14-day self-quarantine upon entering New York State from certain states. The list of impacted states can be found on the New York State Department of Health website. Please note that this list is subject to change.

In summary, all travelers entering New York who have recently traveled within a state with either a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a seven-day rolling average; or a testing positivity rate of higher than a 10% over a seven-day rolling average, must self-quarantine for 14 days.

However, essential employees who are returning to New York State “long term” (for 36 hours or more) are permitted to work provided they:

• obtain COVID testing within 24 hours upon return to the state
• self-monitor temperature and signs of symptoms
• wear a face covering when in public
• maintain social distancing and
• clean and disinfect workspaces for a minimum of 14 days

In addition, the Governor has issued an Executive Order clarifying that employees who travel voluntarily to any of these states shall not be eligible for benefits under the New York State emergency paid sick leave provision. Employees should be aware that voluntary travel to any of these states could result in loss of pay during the required quarantine.

Please share the following requirements with employees, especially those who may be traveling.

• Non-essential employees who are working remotely will continue to do so during the 14-day quarantine period and therefore quarantine pay will not apply.
• In the rare instance where a non-essential employee cannot work remotely, the 14-day quarantine period would apply and the employee would be required to use non-sick accruals. In these instances, supervisors should consider the total time the employee will be out of work (vacation request plus quarantine period) when reviewing the time-off request.

For questions related to COVID testing or health monitoring, please contact the Health Information Line at (631) 632-5000 option 1. For HRS Time and Attendance and Leaves contact (631) 632-5000 option 2.

Additional guidance regarding travel for sponsored research activities and pre-approval for University-related travel will be forthcoming from the Provost’s office.