COVID-19 Information for Visitors
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources
We are excited to welcome you back.
Travel Advisory for people visiting or returning to New York state: For the safety of our community along with all visitors, everyone is expected to still adhere to public safety guidelines including mask wearing, social distancing, daily symptom monitoring, and following reduced capacity guidance for public gatherings.
- Starting April 1, 2021 domestic travelers are no longer required to quarantine after entering New York from another U.S. State or U.S. Territory. While no longer required, the NYS Department of Health still recommends quarantine after domestic travel as an added precaution.
- Mandatory quarantine remains in effect for international travelers.
- All travelers coming to NY state for more than 24 hours from areas beyond the border states (NJ, CT, PA, MA, VT) must complete this form upon entering New York, whether or not such person is a New York resident: forms.ny.gov/s3/Welcome-to-New-York-State-Traveler-Health-Form
- Travelers are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after they receive their final vaccine dose, or as consistent with the most recent CDC guidance.
Resources:
- Overview of NY State COVID-19 Travel Advisory and guidance: coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory
- Resources for Travelers from I LOVE NY including info on COVID Alert mobile app and attraction occupancy limits: iloveny.com/travel-tools/coronavirus-resources-for-travelers/
- NYS COVID-19 Tracker with a breakdown by county in New York state is available to view online. Please note that Ithaca is located in Tompkins County.
- For NY State residents, consider using the Excelsior Pass -- a free, fast, and secure way to present digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results. The pass is voluntary; New Yorkers can always show alternate proof of vaccination or testing, like another mobile application or paper form, directly at a business or venue.
To keep all of us safe, we ask that you practice safe social distancing (at least 6 feet/2 meters) between other parties and your hosts in our community. It is important to be aware that all visitors and residents must wear masks or face coverings in public, unless medically unable to do so, per the directive from Governor Cuomo.
- Following a New York State Department of Health update to emergency regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tompkins County is now ordering businesses and building owners to deny entry to people who are not wearing masks.
- Tompkins County Health Factsheet and FAQ
All area colleges and universities have temporarily canceled in-person public tours.
For official responses and updates regarding Ithaca and Tompkins County and our higher education communities please reference the following websites:
What's in Ithaca and the surrounding areas?
You will find our community remains vibrant, resilient, and welcoming. Those businesses that have chosen to reopen or continued to remain open are required to submit a safety plan to ensure the health of our residents and, you, our special guests. Please note even when reopening, many attractions are operating at reduced hours and some may now require a reservation such as The Museum of the Earth, The History Center, and the Sciencenter.
We know each phase of reopening is not uniform across the United States. Please keep in mind that our state is opening in phases, so it is wise to verify your chosen location is open prior to leaving home.
Our famous Ithaca Farmers Market will reopon for the 2021 season April 3rd at its Steamboat Landing location with revised rules to safely enjoy it.
For those taking advantage of the beautiful open-air spaces provided by our NY State Parks, please take note of the safety updates provided here: parks.ny.gov/covid19
Dining, Wineries & Craft Beverage Tastings in Ithaca
Many establishments continue to offer takeout or delivery along with limited occupancy indoor dining. Some may require a reservation. Be sure to confirm before going to a restaurant, often their Facebook pages will have the most up to date information.
- Restaurants are now able to open for outdoor service weather permitting and indoor service at reduced capacity. Social distancing guidelines will still apply. Please understand our dining establishments are adjusting to new operations during this transition
- Please check the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail's dedicated page for winery service updates in response to COVID-19.
- You can access the latest information & guidance regarding Coronavirus updates across New York state from the NY State Department of Health website.
- The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) is the lead agency managing our community response. You can reference updates from the Tompkins County Health Department website
Downtown Ithaca and The Commons
Shops and restaurants in the downtown area continue to operate in various ways in response to COVID-19. Some are open the public, all are limiting capacity, some are providing delivery and curbside pick-up and others are by appointment only or a combination of the aforementioned operations. The Downtown Ithaca Alliance has been doing a wonderful job of compiling operation statuses and putting it here on their website: DOWNTOWNITHACA.COM
Visitor Centers
The Downtown Visitor Center in the Tompkins Center for History & Culture is now open | Hours of Operation: Thursday through Saturday, 10am-5pm.
The Taughannock Overlook Visitor Center will reopen for the season in May.
The East Shore Drive Visitor Center remains closed.
We are still available by phone and fulfilling requests to receive travel guides by mail.
The self-serve information lobby at East Shore Drive will remain open with access to area guides and maps. Currently, our Visitor Experience Team is available to webchat, email, and phone from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday.
Events
Our dynamic, creative community remains strong. Many events have been redirected to a virtual experience or live stream. The Ithaca Events calendar will remain a resource for future events and rescheduled dates when the information becomes available.
- Plans for events in 2021 are still be assessed as New York State releases the latest guidance for indoor and outdoor gatherings.
- The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance has officially been postponed to July 21-24, 2022.
- Our beloved large venues including Ithaca's State Theatre remain closed.
Visit Ithaca Virtually, Wherever You Are
There are many online resources that can bring the beauty of Ithaca and Tompkins County into your home. Sprinkled throughout our site, you'll find links to inspiring YouTube videos, drone footage of waterfalls, online learning opportunities, virtual tours, and podcasts. Visit Ithaca from home today, and we'll see you here when the time is right in the future!
- Ithaca Waterfalls
- Outdoor Recreation
- Colleges & Universities
- Ithaca Discovery Trail
- Health & Wellness
- Ithaca Cider & Cideries
- Cayuga Lake
Information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding 'Coronavirus and Travel in the United States' is viewable here. Everyone is encouraged to continue to follow the CDC's recommendations for practicing necessary hygiene including:
- Stay home if feeling sick
- Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
- Clean hands upon entering a new room or after touching shared surfaces
- Maintain social distance and do not shake hands
- When possible, keep spaces open and well-ventilated
- Avoid touching face, eyes, nose with unwashed hand
