COVID-19 Information for Visitors
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources
We are excited to welcome you back. To keep all of us safe, we ask that you practice patience and respect for everyone's safety while visiting our community. Social distancing (at least 6 feet/2 meters) between other parties and your hosts is still considered an appropriate courtesy. For the safety of our community along with all visitors, everyone is expected to still adhere to the latest public safety guidelines.
New York state is following CDC guidance on mask-wearing and social distancing:
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Mask-wearing is optional, however you will find some businesses and public buildings highly recommending that you wear one. We recommend carrying a mask as it may be highly suggested that you wear it at individual venues and businesses, such as places serving children.
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As of February 2022, 95% of New Yorkers age 18+ have received at least one vaccine dose -- see latest vaccine progress here by county coronavirus.health.ny.gov/vaccination-progress-date. Please note that Ithaca is located in Tompkins County.
- All travelers, domestic and international, should continue to follow all CDC travel requirements.
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
- 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.
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 continue 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.
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 For the latest status of New York State Parks including any closures, consider downloading the free Parks Explorer App.
Dining, Wineries & Craft Beverage Tastings in Ithaca
Many establishments continue to adjust their offerings, some may require a reservation. Be sure to confirm hours before going to a restaurant, often their Facebook pages will have the most up-to-date information.
- Please understand our dining establishments are continuously adjusting their operations and offerings.
- 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
You will find many stores continue to request patrons wear masks inside. 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: Monday through Saturday, 10am-5pm.
The Taughannock Overlook Visitor Center has reopened daily, 10am-5pm.
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, and fulfilling requests to receive travel guides by mail.
Events
Our dynamic, creative community remains strong. The Ithaca Events calendar will remain a resource for future events and rescheduled dates when the information becomes available.
- Ithaca's beloved State Theatre has reopened for the 2021-2022 season! Please review their protocols, proof of vaccine is required to attend shows.
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
