COVID-19 Information for Visitors
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources
As we prepare for the re-opening of our community, it is important to share 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. 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. 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. Many events have transitions to virtual offerings. You’ll find a complete list on our Events page.
Ithaca and Tompkins County has moved into Phase 2 of reopening as defined by New York State.
We know each phase of reopening is not uniform across the United States. In NYS, Phase 1 included nature, parks, waterfall, trails, fishing, limited retail with curbside or in-store pick up only, and limited restaurants with take-out/carry out service only. Many of our accommodations remained open during NY Pause, with limited services. Our famous Ithaca Farmers Market is also open, but with new rules to safely enjoy it.
We will continue to provide updates as more of our community reopens in each phase, clarifying what that phase means in our state. Thanks to the thoughtful actions of our residents, Ithaca and Tompkins County has remained a healthy place throughout this pandemic. We invite you to share our culture and look forward to welcoming you for a safe visit.
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 in Ithaca
Ithaca restaurants and bars closed for full service as of March 16. However, many establishments continue to offer takeout or delivery during the period of closure. Be sure to visit their websites and Facebook pages for the most up-to-date information about their operations.
- 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
All area colleges and universities have temporarily canceled public tours and admitted student events.
For official responses and updates regarding Ithaca and Tompkins County and our higher education communities please reference the following websites:
Events
Our dynamic, creative community remains strong. In the spirit of proactive measures, large events of 100 or more people have been postponed or canceled at this time. As rescheduled event dates are announced, Visit Ithaca will share those dates with all. For many events, previously purchased tickets will remain valid for future show dates. The Ithaca Events calendar will remain a resource for future events and rescheduled dates when the information becomes available.
- Rotary cancels July 4th fireworks show
- The Ithaca Festival of the Arts postponed to August 27-30, 2020
- Ithaca's Annual Reggae Festival is postponed until 2021
- The 30th Annual GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance has been postponed until 2021
Visitor Centers
As of March 16th, Visit Ithaca has closed all Visitor Centers until further notice in response to COVID-19 and NY State Department of Health guidelines. 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 will remain available to webchat, email, and phone from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday, and 10am-5pm Saturday & Sunday.
Visit Ithaca Virtually, Wherever You Are
Although travel to our area is discouraged at this time, it doesn't mean you can't visit us virtually! 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.
The CDC's recommendations for practicing necessary hygiene include:
- 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 hands
- Stay home if feeling sick
