COVID-19 Information for Visitors
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources
Area accommodations are ready to welcome you back. Ithaca and Tompkins County moved into Phase 4 of NY Forward reopening as defined by New York State, as of June 26, 2020.
Travel Advisory for people coming to New York (you must check this list before planning a visit to NY from another state): Based upon Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order, if you have traveled from within one of the designated states with significant community spread, you must quarantine when you enter New York for 14 days (or the length of your visit) from the last travel within such designated state, provided on the date you enter into New York State that such state met the criteria for requiring such quarantine. The requirements of the travel advisory do not apply to any individual passing through designated states for a limited duration (i.e., less than 24 hours) through the course of travel.
Resources updated October 20, 2020:
- See current list of restricted states here: 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 Department of Health (DOH) has issued an emergency health order mandating travelers from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide COVID-19 spread to complete a DOH traveler health form. Per the NYS travel advisory guidelines, non-essential travel between Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania is discouraged.
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.
All area colleges and universities have temporarily canceled in-person public tours.
For official responses and opening updates regarding Ithaca and Tompkins County and our higher education communities please reference the following websites:
What's in Ithaca and the surrounding areas?
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 businesses are operating at reduce hours and some may now require a reservation.
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. Phase 4 has included Low-Risk Outdoor Arts & Entertainment (at 33% capacity) and Indoor Arts & Entertainment (at 25% capacity). Additionally spas and salons may reopen following new protocols, confirm guidelines prior to arriving for your appointment.
Our famous Ithaca Farmers Market is also open, but with new rules to safely enjoy it.
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, 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 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
- N Aurora Street in downtown Ithaca has closed to allow for additional outdoor dining space.
- 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 Taughannock Overlook Visitor Center is now open | Hours of Operation: Thursday through Monday, 10am-5pm. (this location is weather dependent and will close when the temperature is below 50-degrees F)
The Downtown Visitor Center in the Tompkins Center for History & Culture is now open | Hours of Operation: Thursday through Saturday, 10am-5pm.
The East Shore Drive Visitor Center and Downtown Visitor Center remain 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 will remain available to webchat, email, and phone from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday.
Events
Our dynamic, creative community remains strong. In the spirit of proactive measures, large events have been postponed or canceled at this time. Many events have been redirected to a virtual experience or live stream. 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 has been cancelled, after initially postponed
- Ithaca's Annual Reggae Festival is postponed until 2021
- The 30th Annual GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance has been postponed until 2021
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.
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
